No matter what you’ve tried, the heartburn keeps coming back. You’ve changed your diet, avoided certain foods, and taken over-the-counter or prescription medicine. Still, the burning in your chest won’t go away.
If your symptoms aren’t improving with typical treatments, your doctor may recommend an EGD procedure to find the cause. It may sound intimidating, but it’s a common test that helps doctors diagnose digestive problems. In some cases, it can even be used to treat certain problems during the same visit.
Knowing what to expect before, during, and after an EGD procedure can help you feel more prepared and confident.
An EGD procedure, also called an upper endoscopy or gastroscopy, lets your doctor examine the upper part of your digestive system.
During the procedure, a gastroenterologist uses a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and light on the end. The scope passes through your mouth and into your:
The camera sends images to a monitor so your doctor can look for inflammation, ulcers, bleeding, growths, and other problems.
An EGD procedure is usually performed at a hospital, outpatient surgery center, or endoscopy center.
Your doctor may recommend an EGD procedure if you have symptoms that are new, severe, or don’t get better with treatment.
Common reasons include:
An EGD procedure can also help your doctor:
Your doctor will give you instructions based on your health and the medications you take. Be sure to follow those directions carefully.
Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, aspirin, NSAIDs, or iron supplements. Don’t stop taking any medication unless your doctor tells you to.
Don’t eat solid food after the time your doctor recommends, which is often after midnight.
Don’t eat or drink for the amount of time your doctor recommends, usually at least eight hours before your appointment.
Your doctor may allow you to take certain medications with a small sip of water. Ask which medicines are safe to take before your procedure.
Wear comfortable clothing, and arrange for someone to drive you home since you’ll receive sedation.
An EGD procedure usually takes about 5 to 20 minutes.
Before the EGD begins, your care team will check your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and oxygen level.
You’ll receive medicine through an IV to help you relax. Most people sleep through an EGD and don’t remember much afterward. In some cases, your throat may also be numbed to help prevent gagging.
While you lie on your left side, your gastroenterologist gently guides the endoscope through your mouth and into your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
If needed, your doctor can:
Your throat may still feel numb afterward, so you’ll need to wait until it’s safe before eating or drinking.
Most people go home the same day.
Most people recover quickly after an EGD procedure. They usually return to their normal routine the next day.
For the rest of the day, you should:
A mild sore throat is common and usually goes away within a day or two.
Call your doctor right away if you have severe stomach pain, heavy bleeding, trouble breathing, a fever, or ongoing vomiting after your procedure.
An EGD procedure helps your doctor diagnose many conditions affecting the upper digestive tract.
These include:
Biopsy results can help confirm a diagnosis and guide your treatment.
An EGD procedure is considered very safe, and serious complications are rare.
Like any medical procedure, there are some risks, including:
Some people also have a mild sore throat for a day or two after an EGD.
Your care team will explain the possible risks before your appointment and monitor you throughout the procedure.
If you have ongoing heartburn, trouble swallowing, upper abdominal pain, or other digestive symptoms, an EGD procedure can help your doctor find the cause. In some cases, it can also treat certain problems during the same visit.
The team at Gastroenterology Consultants of San Antonio performs EGD procedures in a safe, comfortable setting. If you’re looking for answers about your digestive symptoms, schedule an appointment today to learn whether an EGD procedure is right for you.
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