Why am I having this study?

During the EGD, your doctor will be taking a small lighted camera encased in a tube down through your esophagus, into your stomach, on to the upper portion of the small bowel. This allows the doctor to look at all the tissue in these areas, disease or any abnormalities. They can even take small tissue samples called biopsies, which will be examined later under a microscope. These can be repeated in the future to look for signs of healing too.

How is the procedure performed?

The procedure is performed in same day surgery. As you are lying on your side under sedation, the doctor passes the endoscope and carefully advances it through your esophagus and stomach. He will be looking at all the tissue on a video monitor and can even take pictures as he goes along. After the procedure you may experience some cramping or gas, but most people have no memory of the procedure due to the sedation.

What is the prep for this exam?

Your physician will give you preoperative instructions. You will receive a telephone call from the nurse who will ask you questions about your current medications, medical history, and answer any questions you may have regarding the procedure. Please do not have anything to eat or drink for six hours before the procedure. (Note: if you are on heart or blood pressure medications you will need to check with your doctor and he or she will decide if you should take these on the day of the exam.) Dentures or partial plates should be removed before the test begins.

After the exam what can I expect?

Most importantly, you will not be able to drive after the exam for 24 hours. Please have someone drive you to and pick you up from the hospital. You will spend a short time in recovery and may experience some bloating due to the air introduced during the exam. Your entire time at the hospital should be two or three hours. You will then be given written instructions to follow when you go home.