Information about Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a procedure that visualizes the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract using a flexible video endoscope. It is considered a minimally invasive procedure since it does not require an incision into one of the major body cavities and does not require significant recovery after the procedure.
An EGD is performed by gently sedating the patient and then the endoscope is passed over the tongue, down the throat and through the stomach until it reaches the small intestine. The endoscope is a camera that can bend and be directed through the gastrointestinal tract. The endoscope will take streaming video of the procedure and help the doctor look for irregularities.
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This test is helpful in determining:
- The cause of upper GI (gastrointestinal) bleeding
- The cause of swallowing difficulties
- The presence of ulcerations or inflammation
- The cause of abdominal pain
- The condition of the stomach and duodenum after an operation
- The presence of tumors or other abnormalities of the upper GI tract
- Esophageal damage from Acid Reflux
An EGD may show:
- Ulcers (acute or chronic)
- Tumors
- Inflammation of the stomach and duodenum
- Diverticula (abnormal pouches in the lining of the intestines)
- Strictures
- Gastric masses
- Obstruction
Source from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003888.htm
To Prepare for an EGD:
The best results come from having an empty stomach. We ask that you do not take any blood thinning medications.
No solid food after midnight on the night before the exam. You may have clear liquids up to 4 hours prior to the procedure, then nothing to eat or drink.
Clear Liquids include:
- Strained fruit juices with out pulp (apple, white grape, lemonade)
- Water
- Clear broth or bouillon
- Coffee or tea (without milk or non-dairy creamer)
SAFTEY OF OUR PATIENTS IS OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY. IN ORDER FOR THIS PROCEDURE TO BE PERFORMED, YOU MUST HAVE A RIDE HOME. YOU WILL NOT BE DISCHARED FORM THE ENDOSCOPY FACILITY UNLESS YOU HAVE AN ADULT DRIVING YOU HOME, OR ONE WHO WILL ACCOMPANY YOU IN A TAXI OR SOME OTHER FORM OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION.
For more information on EGD please visit:
Medicine Plus http://medlineplus.gov
Web MD http://www.webmd.com