Upper Endoscopy
What is an Upper Endoscopy?
An upper endoscopy or EGD is a very safe procedure that gives your doctor information that other tests may not be able to provide. The test involves having the gastroenterologist place a small-lighted instrument into the esophagus, stomach and duodenum after you have been sedated by an anesthesia professional.
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Persistent nausea and vomiting
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Upper abdominal pain
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Heartburn or acid reflux symptoms
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Acid or burning sensation the throat or chest
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Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (vomiting blood or blood found in the stool)
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Difficulty swallowing
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Abnormal or unclear findings on an x-ray
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Removal of foreign body
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For follow-up on previously found polyps (growths)
tumors or ulcers -
To stretch or dilate narrowed areas
If the doctor sees a suspicious area, he can pass an instrument through the endoscope and take a small piece of tissue, a “biopsy”. Biopsies are taken for many reasons and do not necessarily imply cancer. Other instruments can also be passed through the endoscope without causing discomfort, like a small brush to wipe cells from suspicious areas. When polyps are found a wire loop (snare) will be used to remove polyps.
What to expect the day of your procedure
Please arrive 45 minutes prior to your scheduled procedure time at the Saint Francis GI Endoscopy (SFGIE) center’s reception area. At this time a member of our staff will greet you and review the registration form, HIPAA policy and financial agreement.
After these steps have been completed, a SFGIE nurse or technician will escort you to the pre-procedure area to review your medical history and consent forms for the procedure. A physician from Woodland Anesthesiology Associates will also meet with you to discuss the monitored sedation that will be provided by an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist during your endoscopy. At the time of your procedure, you will have an opportunity to visit with your gastroenterologist about any last minute questions or concerns.
Once your endoscopy has been completed, you will be in the recovery area where another SFGIE nurse will monitor your recovery from the sedation and offer you a snack. You will also be given a detailed report of your exam and your gastroenterologist will meet with you once more to discuss the results of the procedure.
After Procedure Care
You will be kept in the center until most of the effects of the medication have worn off. With newer medications used, you will feel the effects of the medication wearing off very soon after the completion of the procedure. You may feel bloated for a few minutes right after the procedure because of the air that was introduced. You will be able to resume your diet after the procedure unless you are instructed otherwise.
Please be accompanied by someone that can drive you back home. You will not be permitted to drive home alone. Do not operate equipment or vehicles, or make important decisions until the following morning.
Below, are links to post procedure instructions. If you have any questions about the instructions, call us at (860) 683-9991, ext. 106 Monday through Friday 7:00AM – 4:00PM and ask for an Endoscopy nurse. If we are not in, please call your physician.
Patient instructions after Endoscopy
Complications from Upper Endoscopy/EGD
Complications of upper Endoscopy, also known as EGD (Esophago Gastro Duodenoscopy) are very rare; you may experience a mild sore throat. Bleeding and perforation are extremely unusual in diagnostic procedures. Death is an extremely rare occurrence. The most common complaint is vein irritation at the injection site, it can leave a painful knot or swelling that may last several weeks.
Should you experience any of the following symptoms contact your physician:
• Abdominal or chest pain
• Vomiting blood or blood in stool
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing
• Crunchy feeling under the skin
If you have a scheduled procedure, please fill out this form before your procedure.