EGD Procedure Overview & Preparation

What is an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD, Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, Upper GI Endoscopy, Gastroscopy, Esophagoscopy)?

An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a diagnostic procedure that allows your physician to diagnose and treat problems in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The procedure involves a physician using a long, flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope. The endoscope is guided through the patient's mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Your physician uses the endoscope to examine the inside of these organs to detect abnormalities which are visible on an accompanying monitor. In addition to performing visual examination with the endoscope, your physician can insert instruments through the endoscope to obtain tissue samples for a biopsy, remove foreign objects, stop bleeding, or perform therapeutic procedures, such as endoscopic surgery, laser therapy, or dilatation.

Reasons to have an EGD Procedure

An EGD may be performed to diagnose structural or functional abnormalities of the esophagus, stomach, and/or duodenum. These abnormalities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
• Weight loss or anorexia (loss of appetite)
• Upper abdominal pain or chest pain of a noncardiac origin
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Intractable vomiting (continuous vomiting from an unknown cause)
• Strictures (narrowing) or obstructions
• Gastrointestinal bleeding and esophageal varices (enlarged veins in the esophagus)
• Inflammation and ulcers
• Tumors (benign or malignant)
• Hiatal hernia - upward movement of the stomach, either into or alongside the esophagus
• Damage caused by ingestion of caustic substances (chemicals such as lye, household detergents)

An EGD may be performed therapeutically to control bleeding, remove tumors or polyps (growths), dilate narrowed areas in the esophagus, remove foreign objects, perform laser therapy, and place a percutaneous gastrostomy tube (a tube used for tube feeding into the stomach). Tissue or gastrointestinal fluid samples may be obtained via an endoscope. In addition, an EGD may be used to evaluate the stomach and duodenum after a surgery. Additionally, there may be other reasons for your physician to recommend an esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Risks of the Procedure

As with any invasive procedure, complications may occur. Some possible complications may include, but are not limited to, the following: infection, bleeding, and/or perforation of the duodenum, esophagus, or stomach.

Patients who are allergic to or sensitive to medications, contrast dyes, iodine, shellfish, or latex should notify their physician. If you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, you should notify your physician. EGD is contraindicated in patients who have a large aortic aneurysm, Zenker's diverticulum (a herniated pouch in the esophagus), a recent perforated ulcer, or a perforation elsewhere in the GI tract. There may be other risks depending upon your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your physician prior to the procedure. Barium within the intestines from a recent barium procedure may interfere with an EGD.

Online Resources

 

 

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) Preparation

EGD Preparation
EGD Preparation en Espanol

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