What is an Upper Endoscopy (EGD)?

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General Information: An upper endoscopy is also known as an EGD (Esophagog astroduodenoscopy). This procedure uses a fiber optic instrument that is placed through the mouth into the stomach after intravenous medications have been administered. Thus, with the fiber optic scopes, a visual evalution of the upper gastrointestinal tract can be done. The areas studied with this test are the esophagus, the stomach, and the upper duodenum.

Indications: An 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 (a bacteria found in the stomach).

Other Methods of Evaluation: Since this is a visual inspection of the upper intestinal tract, fine detail can be identified, which might be missed by other techniques. However, alternative methods for assessing the upper GI 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 complementary way to your physician. As in any aspect of medicine, no one test will completely evaluate a problem.

The Procedure: This procedure is scheduled for approximately 30 minutes, however, the study may take shorter or longer depending upon the intervention that may be required for each individual patient. We will take whatever time is necessary to complete the procedure.

Risks Associated with the Procedure: The chance that any of these risks may occur is about 1 in 10,000 cases.

1. Allergic reation to the medication used in sedation

2. Perforation of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum

3. Bleeding

4. Aspiration Pneumonia (breathing in stomach contents during the procedure)

Preparation for the Procedure: The preparation for this procedure is rather easy. If you are having a morning procedure, you may not have anything to eat or drink after midnight. If you are scheduled for an afternoon procedure, you may have clear liquids, then nothing by mouth 5 hours before the procedure. This will minimize the possibility that the patient will develop aspiration pneumonia. Please refer to your EGD instruction sheet.

Longmont, CO Gastroenterology Colorado Center for Digestive Disorders 205 South Main Street Longmont, CO 80501 (303) 776-6115