Upper Endoscopy (EGD)

What is Upper Endoscopy?

An upper endoscopy, also known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), is a procedure used to determine the cause of gastrointestinal disorders and symptoms including heartburn, Barrett’s esophagus, the presence of hiatal hernias, abdominal pain, unexplained anemia, swallowing difficulties, esophageal varices, upper GI bleeding, and the presence of tumors or ulcers. An upper endoscopy lets your doctor examine the lining of the upper part of your gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine).

How to Prepare for Your Upper Endoscopy

You will receive instructions from your physician’s office that clearly explain how to prepare for your colonoscopy. You will be required to fast for a number of hours on the day of your procedure. You may need to stop certain medications a few days prior to your procedure, such as aspirin, prescribed blood thinners, and/or GLP-1 agonists (weight loss drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Trulicity, etc.).

What Does an Upper Endoscopy Involve?

Upon arrival to your appointment, a nurse and anesthesia provider will review your medical history and medications, and then place an I.V. prior to your procedure. You will then be taken to a private procedure room for the procedure. When it is time to begin the examination, you will be asked to lay on your left side and a plastic ring called a bite block will be placed in your mouth between you upper and lower teeth. The bite block keeps your mouth open and protects your teeth during the examination. The anesthesia provider will then begin intravenous (IV) sedation. Once the sedation takes effect, the endoscope will be carefully inserted through your mouth into the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (Small bowel). The gastroenterologist will view the interior lining on a video monitor and may take pictures and/or take tissue samples (biopsy). On average the procedure takes 5-10 minutes. You will be closely monitored throughout the procedure. Any tissue samples will be sent to a laboratory to be analyzed.

What Happens After?

You will be taken to our recovery area for about 30 minutes.  You will be monitored closely until you are fully awake.  You may feel bloated or have a sore throat. You will be given water to drink and your I.V. will be removed.   You will be provided with instructions explaining the procedure results, dietary instructions and any follow-up needed. You must have someone available to drive you home. You should rest and not drive or go to work for the remainder of the day. Our nursing staff will call you the following business day to see how you are feeling and answer any questions you may have. Your physician will notify of any laboratory results once he/she receives them.