General Information
Upper Endoscopy is also known as an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy). This procedure uses a fiber optic instrument that is placed into the stomach after intravenous analgesics have been administered. Thus, with the fiber optic scopes, a visual evaluation of the upper gastrointestinal tract can be done. The areas studied with this test are the esophagus, the stomach and the upper duodenum.
Indications
EGD is used to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. These include GERD, gastric and duodenal ulcers, esophageal varices, stomach polyps, and Helicobacter Pylori.
Other Methods for Evaluation
Since this is visual inspection of the upper gastrointestinal tract, fine detail can be identified which might be missed by other techniques. However, alternative methods to assessing the upper gastrointestinal tract include an UGI series (barium is swallowed and evaluated with radiographs by a radiologist), blood work, CT scans of the chest and upper abdomen and ultrasound of the abdomen. Many of these tests are useful in a complimentary way to your physician. As in all aspects of medicine, no one test will completely evaluate a problem.
The Procedure
In general, this procedure takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes to perform when done by a trained gastroenterologist. The procedure may take longer depending upon the intervention that may be required for any individual patient.
Patients undergoing this procedure usually receive a combination of intravenous anesthetics. These are usually Demerol ( meperidine), Versed (midazolam) or Fentanyl. The exact combination, dose and frequency of each of these are individualized for each patient. In most cases, patients do not remember their procedure, or, are adequately sedated such that the discomfort is well tolerated.
During the procedure, the nurse assisting your physician with the procedure will continuously monitor your heart rate, oxygen saturation and blood pressure. Thus, should any difficulties with these parameters occur, your physician will be aware of the change quickly.
Risks associated with the procedure
The risks to this procedure are:
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Allergic reaction to the medications used in sedation |
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Perforation of the esophagus, stomach or duodenum |
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Bleeding |
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Aspiration Pneumonia (breathing in stomach contents during the procedure) |
The chance that anyone of these may occur is about 1/10,000 cases.
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Other Endoscopic Procedures
- Colonoscopy |
ERCP |
Esophageal Manometry |
EGD |
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy |
Liver Biopsy
Related Links
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Patient Education:
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