Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in Northwest Arkansas
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Find a ProviderWhat is esophagogastroduodenoscopy?
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is an endoscopic exam carried out with the help of a lengthy, slim, bendable tube is inserted through the patient's mouth and carefully snaked to the beginning of the small intestine (the duodenum). The scope has a light and camera on the end, which helps our GI specialists at GI Alliance of Arkansas to more easily look at the lining of the esophagus, belly, and the beginning of the small intestine.
An EGD may be suggested as a way to discover the reason of gastrointestinal issues, such as pain in the abdomen, heartburn or acid reflux, trouble swallowing, bleeding, or to investigate unusual findings from an x-ray. An EGD may also be performed for Arkansas patients who have constant heartburn symptoms to look for changes that might indicate esophageal cancer. Should you require an EGD, please schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist at GI Alliance of Arkansas.
What are the benefits of an EGD?
Undergoing an EGD is beneficial for multiple reasons. The exam can enable your GI specialist to directly see the inner structures of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (which is the first portion of the small intestine). Additional benefits of an EGD include:
- Aids in diagnosing several gastrointestinal conditions (including GI infections, celiac disease, GERD, Crohn's disease, and others)
- Allows for the removal of polyps, the biopsy of tissues, and additional small procedures
- Can help detect the causes of certain symptoms, like pain or discomfort, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting
- Generally provides an efficient, quick, and safe process
What can I expect the day before My EGD?
You will be given directions from your GI specialist explaining what you need to do to prepare for your EGD. Many of our patients are allowed to eat as any other day the day leading up to the exam. You may be instructed not to eat or drink past 12 am other than taking necessary medications. It is vital that you abide by the instructions given to you by your doctor at GI Alliance of Arkansas. There will also be extra guidelines pertaining to your medications. In most cases, you can take your medications as you normally would. However, there are certain situations where this may not be true, especially with blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin, Coumadin®, Plavix®, anti-inflammatories) or for diabetics. In these cases, our team will provide special instructions.
What happens on the day of my EGD?
You will be instructed to get to our endoscopy center in Arkansas 1 – 1.5 hours prior to your procedure. You will have to change into a hospital gown. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be put in your arm so we can begin the sedation process. You will be connected to equipment that allows your doctor to keep track of your heart rate, blood pressure, pulse, electrocardiogram, breathing, and oxygen level throughout your EGD.
Once you're in the exam room, we'll ask you to relax on your left side on the stretcher. Sedation will begin at that point. Once an adequate level of sedation is achieved, the endoscope will be gently inserted into the mouth. The scope will be strategically advanced through the esophagus, stomach, and the duodenum. A small amount of air will be injected through the scope into the GI tract will help the physician see more clearly. Any fluid left over in the upper GI tract will be cleared away through the scope. Depending on the findings of your exam, a variety of things can be implemented, like control of bleeding, the removal of polyps, and biopsies. The exam typically takes approximately 10 – 20 minutes. After the exam is complete, we will take you to the recovery room to be monitored as the sedation starts to wear off.
About when will I receive my test results?
Your doctor will review the results of your esophagogastroduodenoscopy with you after the exam. Many patients have a "foggy" brain after the procedure due to the sedation and cannot remember the details of this discussion. We recommend you bring someone with you with whom the results can also be discussed. We will also send you home with a typed-up review of what we discussed. We typically will have biopsy results within a week.
Does an EGD carry any risks?
EGD is a safe and reliable procedure, generally speaking. Overall, problems occur in fewer than 1% of procedures. Typically, these problems are not life-threatening, although if a complication occurs, it might result in hospitalization and surgery. Before your exam, a consent form will be reviewed with you by our team. Should any questions or concerns arise, you can discuss these with your physician prior to your treatment.
Like other tests, the EGD is not perfect. There is always a slight, established possibility that irregularities, including cancers, can be undiscovered at the time of the EGD. It is crucial to keep up with your doctors and let them know of any new or constant issues.
What are the other choices to an esophagogastroduodenoscopy?
To a certain degree, your alternatives to esophagogastroduodenoscopy will depend on why the request for EGD was made in the first place. In most cases, an EGD is the standard method to test for and take care of abnormalities in the upper GI tract. An x-ray called an upper GI/barium swallow can assess your upper GI tract, too. This is, however, just a diagnostic analysis. The treatment of any findings might involve an EGD or other surgery.
Treat your GI symptoms with an EGD
If you or a family member are suffering from distressing GI problems like heartburn, swallowing problems, or intestinal discomfort, gain insight on your condition with a diagnostic EGD exam. You can find an expert gastroenterologist who is capable of performing an esophagogastroduodenoscopy in Arkansas at one of our local facilities. Get in touch with GI Alliance of Arkansas as soon as possible to book your EGD.
EGD FAQs
Is an EGD the same procedure as an upper endoscopy?
An EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) might be referred to as a few different things. At times, it might be termed an "upper endoscopy" or a "gastroscopy." Even though these names may be different, they typically mean the same thing as an esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
What is considered a "normal" result for an EGD?
Results that are "normal" for an EGD generally indicate that your gastrointestinal provider did not find areas of concern in the upper gastrointestinal tract. However, normal results might be signified by a smooth texture and normal color of the tissue in your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. In addition, there shouldn't be any evidence of growths, bleeding, or inflammation within these structures. It's important to keep in mind that a "normal" EGD result doesn't always mean that no health concerns are present. Some health concerns may not be detectable with this type of exam or may be present further down in the gastrointestinal tract, beyond the reach of the endoscope utilized throughout the test.
When would an EGD be recommended?
Your GI Alliance of Arkansas doctor may request an EGD if you have Crohn's disease or liver cirrhosis to help keep track of such health concerns. In addition, an EGD may be recommended should you experience:
- Tarry or black stool
- Vomiting of blood
- Heartburn
- Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unexplained loss of weight
- Persistent nausea
What might I need bring to my EGD appointment?
When you arrive at the facility for your EGD exam, you may need to fill out a few patient forms. As such, please bring your ID and insurance card with you to your visit. It also may be a good idea to carry a written list of any medications you take, the dosages, and the conditions for which you take them. We encourage you to leave valuables like jewelry at home.
Reviews
Dr. Moore and the medical professionals at North Hills made my EGD/Colonoscopy experience actually pleasant. Plus, I don't remember a thing! I highly recommend Dr. Moore and staff!
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