Esophagogastroduodenoscopy Specialist

What is esophagogastroduodenoscopy?

The GI Specialists of Houston team uses esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) to examine your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Your upper GI tract consists of the esophagus (the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach), the stomach, and the top of your small intestine. To view these areas, your provider uses an endoscope — a flexible tube with a light and camera.

Your provider views images sent by the endoscope on a monitor in the treatment room. That enables them to evaluate the condition of your upper GI tissues and identify any problems.

Why would I need an esophagogastroduodenoscopy?

The GI Specialists of Houston team might perform an EGD if you have symptoms, such as:

• Problems swallowing
• Persistent or recurring nausea and vomiting
• Acid reflux (heartburn)
• Unexplained abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Bleeding in your upper GI tract

Symptoms like these could have numerous causes, including gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett’s esophagus, peptic ulcers, or stomach or esophageal cancer. Using EGD, your provider can determine what’s causing the problem and might also be able to treat some conditions.

What happens during an esophagogastroduodenoscopy?

Before your EGD, you must stop eating (typically for about eight hours) to ensure your stomach is empty. Your provider will give you easy-to-follow instructions on EGD preparation before your procedure.

To keep you relaxed, you have an intravenous (IV) sedative delivered via a vein in your arm. Your provider uses a local anesthetic spray to numb your throat so you won’t feel discomfort during the procedure.

Your provider passes the endoscope along your esophagus and into your stomach. At each stage, they examine the images from the endoscope. If there are any abnormalities, such as inflamed tissue, they perform a biopsy (remove a sample) for lab analysis.

The GI Specialists of Houston team can address problems during your EGD, including removing polyps, heating peptic ulcers to stop the bleeding, and endoscopic dilation of strictures (stretching narrowed areas).

What happens after an esophagogastroduodenoscopy?

When your EGD is complete, your provider gently extracts the endoscope. You need to wait in the recovery area until your sedation wears off, but most people can go home the same day.

Your throat might feel a little sore after your EGD, but the discomfort soon passes. Your gastroenterologist will discuss the findings with you and offer advice on the next steps.

To find out more about esophagogastroduodenoscopy, call GI Specialists of Houston today or book an appointment online.