Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a test to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine. The results of this test are considered normal if the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum are smooth and of normal color. There should be no bleeding, growths, ulcers, or inflammation.
There are basically two types of esophagogastroduodenoscopy, commonly known as EGD. Upper and lowerUpper gastrointestinal endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy, EGD) include visualization of the oropharynx, esophagus, stomach, and proximal duodenum, with real-time assessment and interpretation of the findings encountered.
There are a variety of technical and cognitive aspects that should be well mastered in order to perform a high-quality examination. The basic technical components of upper endoscopy also serve as the platform upon which many therapeutic interventions are based.
An EGD is usually performed to confirm abnormalities indicated by such other diagnostic procedures as an upper gastrointestinal (upper GI) x-ray series or a CT scan. It may be used to treat certain conditions, such as an area of narrowing (stricture) or bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.Continue reading to find useful information about the this examination procedure known as EsophagoGastroduoDenoscopy, its preparation and procedure.
EGD – EsophagoGastroduoDenoscopy
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is used to diagnose and treat conditions of the upper gastrointestinal tract. With this procedure, the physician can view the lining of the esophagus, stomach and beginning of the small intestine using real-time images from a camera attached to a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope.
An EGD is performed to diagnose cancer of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine, as well as treating those cancers. Gastroenterology Program uses minimally invasive procedures to treat cancers of the digestive system and to relieve symptoms associated with specific digestive cancer.
In addition to cancer diagnosis, an EGD is also used to diagnose the following conditions:
- Celiac disease
- Esophageal rings
- Swollen veins in the lining of the esophagus caused by liver cirrhosis (esophageal varices)
- Inflammation or swelling of the esophageal lining (esophagitis)
- Inflammation or swelling of the stomach or small intestinal lining (gastritis)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Hiatal hernia, when part of the stomach comes into the chest
- A tear in the esophagus (Mallory-Weiss syndrome)
- Narrowing of the esophagus
- Stomach or small intestine ulcers
An EGD may be done in the case of having upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or difficulty swallowing that has not gone away. It may be used to help determine the cause of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Medical professionals see the EGD as an option if the following symptoms are new, cannot be explained or are not responding to treatment:
- Black or tarry stools
- Vomit with blood
- Bringing up food up after eating (regurgitation)
- Feeling full sooner or after eating less than normal
- Feeling that food is stuck behind the breastbone
- Heartburn
- Low blood count (anemia)
- Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
- Weight loss
What is an EGD medical abbreviation
An Upper Endoscopy or EGD is an abbreviation for Esophagogastroduodenoscopy. It is also commonly referred to as an upper GIEndoscopy. GI is an abbreviation for gastrointestinal.
EsophagoGastroduoDenoscopy Definition
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a test to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine.
EGD Prep, Diet and Instructions
Preparation:
Fasting is required overnight (6 to 12 hours before the test). An informed consent form must be signed. Patient may be told to stop aspirin and other blood-thinning medications for several days before the test.
Infants and children:
The preparation provided for this test depends on your child’s age, previous experiences, and level of trust.
Diet and Instructions:
After the procedure, the patient is taken to the recovery room to be watched. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and patient is awake and alert, he will be taken to the hospital room. Or may be discharged to go home.
The patient will not be allowed to eat or drink anything until its gag reflex returns. This is to prevent him from choking. A person may have a sore throat and pain for a few days while swallowing. This is normal. And may go back to normal diet and activities, unless having other instructions by Physician.
EGD Procedure
EGD procedure is followed by giving a sedative and an analgesic. The procedure starts with a local anesthetic spray into the mouth to suppress the need to cough or gag when the endoscope is inserted. A mouth guard will be inserted to protect teeth and the endoscope. Dentures must be removed. In most cases, an intravenous line is inserted into the arm to administer medications during the procedure.
The patient is instructed to lie on his left side. After the gag reflex has been suppressed by the anesthetic, the endoscope is inserted through the esophagus into the stomach and duodenum. Air is introduced through the endoscope to enhance viewing. Through this procedure, the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum is examined, and biopsies can be obtained through the endoscope. Biopsies are tissue samples that are reviewed under the microscope. The usual time duration of the test is about 5 to 20 minutes.
