Upper Endoscopy
(Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, EGD)
Medical Author:
Jay W. Marks, M.D.
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel,
Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
What is upper endoscopy?
Upper
endoscopy is a procedure that enables the examiner (usually a
gastroenterologist) to examine the esophagus (swallowing tube),
stomach, and duodenum (first portion of small bowel) using a thin, flexible tube
through which the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum can be viewed
using a TV monitor.
How do I prepare for endoscopy?
To accomplish a safe and complete examination, the stomach should be
empty. The patient will most likely be asked to have nothing to eat or drink
for six hours or more prior to the procedure.
Prior to scheduling
the procedure, the patient should inform his or her physician of any medications
they are currently taking,
any allergies, and all of their health problems. This information will
remind the doctor whether the patient may need antibiotics prior to the
procedure, what potential medications should not be used during the exam
because of the patient's allergies, and will provide the individual scheduling
the procedure an
opportunity to instruct the patient whether any of the medications they are
taking should be
held or adjusted prior to the endoscopy.
Knowledge whether the patient has
any major health problems, such as heart or lung diseases, will alert
the examiner of possible need for special attention during the
procedure.
Why have you been scheduled for an
endoscopy?
Upper endoscopy usually is performed to evaluate possible problems with the
esophagus, stomach or duodenum, and evaluate symptoms such as upper
abdominal pain, nausea or
vomiting,
difficulty in swallowing, intestinal
bleeding anemia,
etc.. Upper endoscopy is more accurate than X-ray for detecting inflammation or
smaller abnormalities such as ulcers or tumors within the reach of the
instrument. Its other major advantage over X-ray is the ability to
perform biopsies (obtain small pieces of tissue) or cytology
(obtain some cells with a fine brush) for microscopic examination to
determine the nature of the abnormality and whether the abnormality is benign or malignant
(cancerous).
Biopsies are taken for many reasons and may not
mean that cancer is suspected. Upper endoscopy also can be used to treat
many conditions within its reach. The endoscope's channels permit
passage of accessory instruments enabling the examiner to treat many
of the conditions such as stretching areas of narrowing (strictures), removal of benign growths such as polyps, accidentally
swallowed objects, or treating upper gastrointestinal bleeding as seen
in ulcers tears of the lining. These capabilities have markedly
reduced the need for transfusions or surgery.
Next: What can I expect during the endoscopy? »
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