Upper endoscopy
Key points
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is an examination of the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum with a small camera (flexible endoscope) which is inserted down the throat.
- A local anesthetic will be sprayed into your mouth to suppress the need to cough or gag when the endoscope is inserted.
- Fasting is required overnight (6 to 12 hours before the test).
- The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust.
Alternative names
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy; EGD - esophagogastroduodenoscopy; Gastroscopy
Definition
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is an examination of the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum with a small camera (flexible endoscope) which is inserted down the throat.
How the test is performed
You will be given a sedative and an analgesic. A local anesthetic will be sprayed into your mouth to suppress the need to cough or gag when the endoscope is inserted. A mouth guard will be inserted to protect your teeth and the endoscope. Dentures must be removed.
In most cases, an intravenous line will be inserted into your arm to administer medications during the procedure.
You will be instructed to lie on your left side.
After the gag reflex has been suppressed by the anesthetic, the endoscope will be advanced through the esophagus to the stomach and duodenum. Air will be introduced through the endoscope to enhance viewing. The lining of these organs is examined and biopsies can be obtained through the endoscope. Biopsies are tissue samples that are reviewed under the microscope.
After the test is completed, food and liquids will be restricted until your gag reflex returns.
The test lasts about 30 to 60 minutes.
How to prepare for the test
Fasting is required overnight (6 to 12 hours before the test). An informed consent form must be signed. You may be told to stop aspirin and other blood-thinning medications for several days before the test.
Infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experiences, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:
- Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
- Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
- Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
- Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
- Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)
How the test will feel
The local anesthetic makes swallowing difficult. This wears off shortly after the procedure. The endoscope may stimulate some gagging in the back of the throat. There may be a sensation of gas, and the movement of the scope may be felt in the abdomen. Biopsies cannot be felt. Because of the intravenous sedation, you may not feel any discomfort and may have no memory of the test.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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