Upper Endoscopy

Upper endoscopy (also called esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy, or EGD for short) examines your upper gastrointestinal tract (your esophagus, stomach and the first portion of your small intestine). Upper endoscopy is used to evaluate and diagnose such conditions as GERD, peptic ulcer disease, gastritis, dyspepsia, Barrett’s esophagus, and cancerous changes in tissue.

It is also useful for work-up of such symptoms as:

• Heartburn
• Abdominal pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Upper GI bleeding

We recommend an endoscopy procedure to:

Investigate signs and symptoms of underlying disease. An endoscopy may help your doctor determine what is causing digestive signs and symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Diagnose. Your doctor may use an endoscopy to collect tissue samples (biopsy) to test for diseases and conditions, such as anemia, bleeding, inflammation, diarrhea or cancers of the digestive system.

Treat. Your doctor can pass special tools through the endoscope to treat problems in your digestive system, such as widening a narrow esophagus, clipping off a polyp or removing a foreign object.

What Happens During the Upper Endoscopy

A small, flexible tube with a camera is passed into the esophagus, stomach and the first part of small intestine. Damage to the lining of these structures can be evaluated; and a small sample of tissue ( biopsy) can be taken.

This test allows your doctor to take biopsies to diagnose bacterial infections such as H. Pylori, detect cancerous and precancerous changes, and other conditions such as Celiac disease. The procedure takes about 10 minutes, followed by recovery. Sedation is administered by an anesthesiologist to ensure a pain-free, comfortable and safe experience.

Preparation for Upper Endoscopy

Please carefully read preparation instructions for the procedure and don’t hesitate to call with questions. Our staff is happy to help. Arrive at your scheduled time. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Don’t bring jewelry or other valuables.

Total facility time for the procedure generally averages 2 hours – plan accordingly. Do not drive after the procedure. Please, make sure that somebody accompanies you home when you leave our facility. Most people will not have any memory of their procedure and usually feel quite well and relaxed afterwards.

Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding post-procedure activities. Eat a light meal when you are discharged from the facility. Please avoid alcohol, exercise, driving or operating machinery for the rest of the day.

Scheduling the Procedure

Please, call our offices or use a booking form here to schedule an appointment with the doctor. After the appointment doctor will determine the best time for the procedure and provide preparation instructions.