Upper Endoscopy (EGD)

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, the cause of abdominal pain, unexplained anemia, and the cause of swallowing difficulties, 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).

This procedure is the best option for a physician to determine the cause of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, and it is also more accurate than an x-ray for detecting inflammation, ulcers and tumors of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Your doctor might use upper endoscopy to obtain a biopsy (small tissue samples) to distinguish between benign and malignant (cancerous) tissues.

Preparing for an Upper Endoscopy

Follow the instructions from your physician’s office or pre-procedure instructions.

What Happens During an Upper Endoscopy?

You will lie on your left side, and an intravenous (IV) sedation is used during an upper endoscopy. A plastic mouth guard is placed in your mouth and used to protect the endoscope from your teeth. Once the sedation takes effect your doctor will pass a lighted, flexible endoscope into your mouth. A plastic mouth guard is usually used to protect the endoscope from your teeth. A tiny camera at the tip of the endoscope will transmit images to a monitor for your physician to view. Your physician may need to obtain a biopsy during the procedure for further testing or perform a dilation if needed.

At the end of the exam, the endoscope is slowly withdrawn. The procedure takes about 10 to 20 minutes, depending on why the test is being performed and what your physician finds.

What Happens After an Upper Endoscopy?

Immediately following an upper endoscopy, you will spend some time resting in recovery while the sedation medication, if used, wears off. Upper endoscopy is performed as an outpatient procedure, so you can have your procedure in an ambulatory surgery center, which can provide better accessibility and ease compared to a hospital.

Once home, some patients report symptoms of bloating, cramping or a sore throat, but these symptoms should be mild and improve with time. Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

What are the Outcomes with Upper Endoscopy?

The timeframe it will take for you to receive results from your upper endoscopy will be determined by your situation. If a tissue sample was collected, it may take a few days for the testing laboratory to return your results to your physician. Ask your doctor when you can expect to hear your results.