Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) also known as Upper Endoscopy is a procedure performed by a Gastroenterologist that examines the upper portion of the digestive tract.

The upper portion of the digestive tract includes the mouth, the esophagus, the stomach, and the first portion of the duodenum (small intestine).

EGD is performed to evaluate possible problems with the upper portion of the digestive tract. Possible symptoms which are to be evaluated may be abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, difficulty in swallowing, acid reflux and anemia.

The Gastroenterologist uses an instrument called a videoscope, which is a long, thin, flexible tube with a computer chip in it, that allows the inside of the digestive tract to be visualized on a screen.

Preparation

The procedure is performed in the Endoscopy unit at Redmond Regional Medical Center as an outpatient procedure. The patient is required to be NPO (nothing to eat or drink by mouth) after midnight the night before the procedure. It is very important for the patient to be accompanied to the Outpatient Department by a responsible adult that can drive the patient home after the procedure.

Upon arriving to the Outpatient Department, the nurse will complete an assessment on the patient, start an IV, and begin monitoring the patient's blood pressure, oxygen saturation, temperature and cardiac status. The patient's vital signs will continue to be monitored during and after the procedure as well.

Procedure

After talking with the Gastroenterologist, the patient will be given a denture cup, so they may remove dentures or any removable dental work. The procedure is done with the patient positioned on their left side. A numbing spray will then be sprayed into the back of the patient's mouth and throat, and the patient will be given medications through the IV to relax and sedate them. (The medications given for this procedure ARE NOT the same medications used for general anesthesia during surgery)

The flexible videoscope will then be passed into the mouth and into the upper digestive tract by the Gastroenterologist. At this time, esophageal strictures may be dilated, pictures may be taken, or biopsies may be taken. Biopsies are taken for many reasons and may not mean that cancer is suspected.

An EGD is usually well tolerated and rarely causes much pain. There is often a feeling of pressure or bloating as the stomach is insuflated with air. This allows the Gastroenterologist to view all areas of the stomach. These feelings will subside after the procedure is completed.

Post- procedure

The patient will be monitored by a registered nurse after the procedure until the patient meets the required discharge criteria.

The Gastroenterologist will talk with the accompanying adult or family members after the procedure to explain what may have been visualized or what biopsies may have been taken, when to schedule a follow-up appointment, and prescriptions he may give the patient.