The gastrointestinal (GI) tract contains all the digestive system’s major organs responsible for breaking down food into nutrients to nourish the body. However, disorders affecting the digestive system can range from mild to life-threatening. Some symptoms may indicate a digestive health problem, so don’t delay care. 

See our Abrazo Digestive Specialists in Phoenix, AZ for proper diagnosis and treatment if you experience:

• Chronic constipation
• Diarrhea that lasts more than four weeks
• Frequent heartburn
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
• Rectal bleeding
• Trouble swallowing
• Unexplained abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• And other unusual digestive issues

What Is an EGD Procedure?

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), also known as upper endoscopy, is a diagnostic examination procedure of the upper GI tract. This part consists of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. This test will look for abnormalities such as:

• Abnormal cell changes
• Abnormal growths 
• Blockages or narrowing in the passageways 
• Perforations and bleeding
• Swelling or inflammation
• Swollen veins
• Tissue damage from chemicals, bile or stomach acid
• Ulcers on the GI walls
  

What Is the Difference Between EGD and Endoscopy?

In general, an endoscopy is a medical procedure that uses an endoscope to examine the interior of a body organ or tissue. Most endoscopes are thin tubes with a tiny camera and powerful lighting at the end. Endoscopy procedures have specific names depending on the body part that will be examined. As such, EGD (upper endoscopy) is one type of endoscopy. Here are other endoscopy types:

• Bronchoscopy
• Colonoscopy
• Cystoscopy
• Laparoscopy
• Laryngoscopy
• Mediastinoscopy
• Thoracoscopy

How Is an EGD Performed?

Before the EGD procedure, you will be screened for any health conditions to ensure that sedation or anesthesia will be safe for you. Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications or supplements, as you may need to stop them before your test. You will be instructed not to eat anything eight hours before your procedure. Here’s what to expect during your upper GI endoscopy test:

1. Remove clothing, jewelry, dentures and other items on your body that may interfere with the test.
2. Monitors will be attached to your body to check your vital signs throughout the test.
3. Pain reliever and sedative will be administered through an intravenous (IV) line in your arm.
4. A local anesthetic will be sprayed into your throat’s back to prevent gagging as the endoscope is guided down the throat. Your doctor will make you wear a mouthguard to prevent damage to your teeth and the endoscope.
5. The endoscope will be guided down the esophagus into the stomach and the upper part of your small intestine.
6. A monitor shows the endoscope video for your doctor to view as they examine your digestive tract. The endoscope will pass air to make the GI tract easier to see.
7. During an EGD, your doctor can:
   • Take small tissue samples for examination
   • Stop bleeding
   • Open narrowed passages
   • Remove abnormal growths
     
   • Drain abscesses
     
   • Fix holes
     

What Is an EGD Used to Diagnose?

EGD may be recommended if you experience symptoms such as:

• A feeling that there is something lodged behind your breastbone
• Difficulty or pain in swallowing
• Feeling full despite eating less than usual
• Persistent vomiting or nausea
• Regurgitating food
• Severe, chronic heartburn
• Tarry or black stools
• Unexplained anemia
• Unexplained weight loss
• Upper abdomen pain
• Vomiting blood

An EGD can help your doctor make a diagnosis for conditions such as:

• Achalasia
  
• Barrett’s esophagus
  
• Cancer of the stomach, esophagus or duodenum
  
• Celiac disease
  
• Cirrhosis of the liver
  
• Esophageal strictures
  
• Esophagitis 
  
• Gastritis
  
• Gastroesophageal reflux
  
• Gastroparesis
  
• Helicobacter pylori infection
  
• Hiatal hernia
  
• Intestinal metaplasia
  
• Peptic ulcer disease
  
• Portal hypertension
  
• Stomach polyps
  

Will I be Asleep During the Upper Endoscopy or EGD?

Before the EGD, you will be assessed for your risk for anesthesia-related complications. Disclose any medical conditions you have because they can impact the anesthesia level and type that should be used on you. Your anesthesia options may include:

• No sedation – endoscopies can be performed without sedation. This may be necessary for pregnant patients or extremely high-risk patients. A topical anesthetic will be applied to the throat’s back to allow the patient to tolerate the endoscope more.
• Monitored sedation – a sedation level can be:
  • Minimal – the patient will remain awake, relaxed and able to follow directions.
  • Moderate – the patient will have reduced consciousness but will still be able to respond to touch or verbal requests.
  • Deep – the patient may not easily be aroused from sleep but will respond to painful or repeated stimuli. Support may be needed if breathing starts to get impaired.
• General anesthesia – some high-risk patients may receive general anesthesia if needed. With this procedure, the patient will be unconscious and many of their body functions will slow down. A breathing tube may be placed in the throat to help with breathing.

Is an EGD Painful?

An EGD may be uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. Anesthesia may help ease some discomfort associated with this procedure. Your healthcare provider will screen you in advance for any health conditions before recommending anesthesia options for you. If you have been sedated for EGD, you will not be allowed to drive or go home on your own. You must be accompanied by a responsible adult who can take you home safely. You will also receive instructions from your doctor after your EGD.

Recommendations

No digestive problem is too small or too big for Abrazo Digestive Specialists. If you are worried about recurring symptoms affecting your digestive system, now is an excellent time to speak with one of our gastroenterologists for proper diagnosis, evaluation and treatment. Please don’t delay care. We are here always to help take care of your digestive health.