Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (pronounced ĕ-sof′ă-gō-gas′trō-dū′ō-den-os′kŏ-pē) or EGD for short, is sometimes referred to as an upper GI (Gastrointestinal) endoscopy. This is a procedure, usually requiring conscious sedation, that a physician performs on a patient to look inside the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for tears in the lining, swallowing difficulties, ulcers, acid reflux, nausea, bleeding, and abdominal pain just to name a few. The physician uses a device called an endoscope which is a flexible tube that is inserted through a patient's mouth into the upper gastrointestinal tract. This scope allows the physician to visualize and take pictures of the anatomy during the procedure for use in diagnostic purposes as well as for future treatment should any be necessary. During the procedure, which usually takes less than twenty minutes, the physician has the capability to biopsy any area that may look suspicious. If there is a narrowing of the esophagus, which may cause difficulty swallowing, the physician can dilate the stricture using a device called a balloon as well as cauterize areas that might be causing bleeding.

Preparation

A patient having an EGD should be fasting for at least eight hours before the procedure. Please see your physician for further instructions regarding the use of regular medications the day before and the day of your procedure. A patient having this exam is required to have someone that will be able to provide them with transportation to and from the facility as well as be able to receive the results of the exam.

When to Expect Results
The physician performing the procedure will speak with you and a family member or person(s) that has been given written permission for disclosure of your results Following the exam you will be taken to the recovery room where the physician will disclose the results of the exam and advise you on further treatment or follow up should any be necessary. In the event that the physician removed a polyp or a biopsy(s) was taken, then you will be advised on when you can expect to receive these results. A pathologist will review the biopsy, and the results are usually available in ten days.