An upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to look at the interior lining of your esophagus, your stomach, and the first part of your small intestine (duodenum) through a thin, flexible viewing instrument called an endoscope. The tip of the endoscope is inserted through your mouth and then gently advanced down your throat into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (upper gastrointestinal tract).
Since the entire upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract can be examined during this test, the procedure is sometimes called esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).
Through the endoscope, your doctor can look for ulcers, inflammation, tumors, infection, or bleeding. It can evaluate symptoms like pain, nausea, vomiting or difficulty swallowing if they are persistent enough. Tissue samples can be collected (biopsy), polyps can be removed, and bleeding can be treated through the endoscope. Endoscopy can reveal problems that do not show up on X-ray tests, and it can sometimes eliminate the need for exploratory surgery.
Before and During the Procedure
- You will be instructed to lie on the table either on your back or side. Monitors may be attached to you to make sure your breathing, blood pressure and heart rate is adequate.
- At that time, you will receive Propofol medication through Intravenous (IV) to make you fall asleep. In rare cases, doctors will give you a painkiller and spray anesthetic in your mouth to numb your throat, depending on your case.
- During the procedure, the doctor will insert the endoscope in your mouth. This procedure should not cause any pain and it will not affect your breathing.
- The purpose of this test is to view abnormalities in your upper digestive tract. Images and/or video will be taken to view at a later time. Gentle air pressure may be fed into your esophagus to inflate your digestive tract.
- Your doctor will pass special surgical tools through the endoscope to collect tissue sample or remove a polyp.
- The test takes between 5 and 20 minutes.
After the EGD Test:
- The effects of the anesthesia can persist for 24 hours. After receiving the sedation, you must exercise extreme caution before engaging in any activity that could be harmful to yourself or others (such as driving a car). Do not make any important decisions and do not drink any alcoholic beverages during this time period.
- It is advised to take it easy for the rest of the day
- You may experience some mildly uncomfortable symptoms, such as bloating, gas, cramps and a sore throat. They will improve within time, however if you’re concerned or have any questions, contact your doctor.
- Take only the medication that is prescribed by your doctor.
- After your procedure, you may have anything you’d like to eat or drink although you should start with something ’light’. Please include plenty of fluids. Avoid items that cause gas such as sodas and salads.
- If your procedure required the placement of a metal clip, you cannot have an MRI for 30 days.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience
- Fever
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- bloody , black or very dark colored stool
- Difficulty swallowing
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
- Vomiting, especially if your vomit is bloody or looks like coffee grounds
Complications
Although complications are very rare, they can occur. Some of those may be…
- Bleeding at the biopsy site (which may be minimal and rarely required a follow up)
- A hole or tear in the gastrointestinal tract lining called perforation (this is rare, however surgery may be required to fix this)
- Reaction to the sedatives or complications from heart of lung disease.
Results
Each person will receive their results differently. You may receive the findings right after, or it may take up to a week if any biopsies had to get sent to a lab. Be sure to ask your doctor when you should expect these results. Please consult a doctor for any medical advice. If you would like to know more contact us here or if you have any questions, call our office at (862) 217-5141
