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Upper GI Endoscopy

(Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy; Esophagogastroduodenoscopy [EGD])

by Amy Scholten, MPH

• Definition • Reasons for Test • Possible Complications • What to Expect • Call Your Doctor
En Español (Spanish Version)

Animation Movie AvailableClick here to view an animated version of this test.

 

Definition    TOP

An upper GI endoscopy is a test that allows the doctor to see inside the throat, esophagus, and stomach. The upper part of the small intestines may also be examined. It is done with a flexible tube called an endoscope.

Upper GI Endoscopy

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Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

 

Reasons for Test    TOP

This procedure is done to help diagnose the causes of:

  • Unexplained belly pain
  • Severe heartburn
  • Lasting nausea and vomiting
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Blood in stool or vomit
  • Abnormal x-ray or other tests of the digestive tract

An upper GI endoscopy may also be done to look for:

  • Ulcers
  • Tumors
  • Polyps
  • Abnormal narrowing
  • Inflammation
 

Possible Complications    TOP

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

  • Excess bleeding
  • Problems from anesthesia
  • Infection
  • Damage to the esophagus, stomach, or intestine

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

  • Smoking, alcohol use disorder, or drug use
  • Chronic diseases such as diabetes or obesity
  • Bleeding disorders
 

What to Expect    TOP

Prior to test

The care team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Anesthesia options
  • Any allergies you may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before the procedure
  • Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
  • Whether you need a ride to and from the procedure

Anesthesia

The doctor will give:

  • Medicine to numb the throat
  • A sedative—you will feel relaxed

Description of the Test    TOP

The endoscope will be put into the mouth. It will be passed through the esophagus and stomach until it reaches the small intestine. Images will be seen on a nearby monitor. Air may be passed through the scope. This helps the doctor view the area.

If needed, tiny tools may be passed through the endoscope. They can be used to take a sample of tissue for testing or do other procedures.

How Long Will It Take?    TOP

About 10 to 15 minutes

Will It Hurt?    TOP

Throat pain and bloating are common in the first few days. Medicine and home care can help.

Average Hospital Stay    TOP

Most people can go home the same day. If other procedures were done during the upper GI endoscopy, you may need to stay longer.

Post-procedure Care    TOP

At the Care Center

The staff may give you something to eat and drink.

At Home

It will take a few hours to recover. Most can resume their diet.

 

Call Your Doctor    TOP

Call your doctor if you have:

  • Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
  • Severe belly pain
  • Hard, swollen belly
  • Black, tar-like stools or bloody stools
  • Vomiting blood
  • New or worsening symptoms

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

American Gastroenterological Association
http://www.gastro.org

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
https://www.asge.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Digestive Health Foundation
http://www.cdhf.ca

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

REFERENCES:

Understanding upper endoscopy. American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy website. Available at: https://www.asge.org/list-pages/patient-informations/understanding-upper-endoscopy. Accessed February 12, 2021.

Upper endoscopy. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/procedure/upper-endoscopy. Accessed Februry 12, 2021.

Upper GI endoscopy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/upper-gi-endoscopy. Accessed February 12, 2021.

Volkan B, Bayrak NA, et al. Preparatory information reduces gastroscopy-related stress in children as confirmed by salivary cortisol. Saudi J Gastroenterol. 2019;25(4):262-267.



Last reviewed January 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Chelsea Skucek, MSN, BS, RNC-NIC
Last Updated: 02/12/2021

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