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Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a procedure performed by gastrointestinal specialists to examine the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. During an EGD, your specialist in Concord will insert a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light attached into your mouth. The tube allows your doctor to view the lining of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The camera transmits images to a monitor in the procedure room, enabling your doctor to identify any potential abnormalities.
EGDs are commonly performed to diagnose or assess conditions such as:
Upon arrival, you will be asked to sign a consent form and remove any jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures, or other items. Your gastroenterologist may spray your throat with a local anesthetic or provide a sedative to help you relax.
During the procedure, your doctor will position you on an exam table and insert the endoscope into your mouth. The endoscope transmits images to a monitor in the procedure room, allowing your doctor to examine the inside of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The procedure typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes. Most patients report only slight discomfort, with many falling asleep during the procedure.
Afterward, you will be monitored for 30 minutes. Depending on the findings from your EGD, your gastrointestinal doctor may prescribe medications or recommend dietary changes.
Specific instructions for EGD procedure prep will be provided by your gastroenterologist in Concord prior to your procedure, but all patients should prepare to:
View Northeast Digestive Health Center's complete EGD prep instructions.
If you're experiencing symptoms like persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss, our gastroenterologist in Concord, NC might suggest an upper GI endoscopy.
An upper endoscopy can show various conditions such as inflammation, ulcers, tumors, abnormal growths, and other abnormalities in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
An EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy) is used to diagnose conditions affecting the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. An EGD can detect conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, peptic ulcers, Barrett's esophagus, esophageal strictures, and certain types of cancer.
You are likely to fall asleep during an upper endoscopy, as you will be under sedation during an upper endoscopy to ensure your comfort and relaxation throughout the procedure.
An upper endoscopy usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes to complete, although it may vary depending on individual circumstances and findings.
Sedation is commonly used for endoscopy procedures to ensure patient comfort and relaxation. Local anesthesia may also be applied.
Most patients do not experience pain during an upper endoscopy due to sedation and/or local anesthesia. Some may feel mild discomfort or pressure in the throat as the endoscope is inserted, but this is usually well-tolerated.
Upper endoscopies are generally safe. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks, including bleeding, infection, and perforation, although these are rare. Your Concord clinic doctor will discuss the potential risks and benefits with you before the procedure.
