An Overview of EGD
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a medical test where a physician uses an endoscope to view the esophagus and the duodenum. An endoscope is a tubular instrument with a light and high-definition camera used to examine a person’s internal organs. Accordingly, the esophagus connects the throat to the stomach, while the duodenum is the upper part of the small intestine.
EGD helps diagnose the causes of digestive tract disorders. It is used for digestive tract disorders such as heartburn, abdominal pain, swallowing difficulties, bloody stool, and nausea or vomiting. A doctor may also use EGD for periodic screening when it is likely that a patient may develop digestive disorders. They may also opt for the procedure to remove foreign elements, monitor an existing condition’s progression, or control bleeding.
After deciding to perform the examination, the doctor briefs the patient by describing the procedure and answering their questions. The patient must share with the physician any relevant information such as medications they are taking or any allergies they may have. Also, an individual will inquire about their complete medical history. The doctor then advises them not to take any meal or fluids for about six hours before the procedure.
Additionally, the patient should arrange for transportation from the hospital to their home. This is because they will get sedatives and other intravenous injections that may make them drowsy. Again, once the examination is complete, they may not regain mental clarity for some time. As a result, they should not plan on doing anything that requires sharp mental focus until they recover.
Doctors perform EGDs in a medical center or hospital. They advise patients to remove any jewelry, dentures, and clothing that may interfere with the test during the procedure. They place monitors on the patient’s abdomen to monitor vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels. The patient should lie on their right side. Next, the patient receives a pain reliever or sedative through an IV. Also, a local anesthetic is sprayed into the mouth to numb it to prevent gagging and coughing during the examination.
The physician gives the patient a mouth guard to protect the teeth and protect the endoscope from damage. The doctor then passes the endoscope through the esophagus and into the stomach all the way to the duodenum. A person may experience slight gagging or pressure when the endoscope makes its way down, but these effects soon pass. Once the equipment is in place, the patient will not feel any of these sensations.
The endoscope then sends images to a monitor while the doctor examines the digestive tract. Notably, the endoscope pumps in air to expand the internal areas to enhance viewing. In some cases, the doctor may take tissue samples for biopsy, a procedure where they check the samples for anything unusual. They may also perform other procedures such as widening and stretching a narrow esophagus.
The procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Once over, the physician removes the endoscope and allows the patient to rest. After a little time has passed, they discuss the results with them and, in most cases, will discharge them the same day. Notably, the patient should not take any food or liquids until their gag reflex has returned — otherwise, they may choke. A person may also belch frequently or experience flatulence and throat discomfort for about 24 hours.
