What is an EGD?
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a procedure to examine the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. During an EGD procedure, your doctor 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 will transmit images to a monitor in the procedure room so that your doctor can determine if there are any abnormalities present.
What is an EGD used to diagnose?
EGDs are commonly performed to diagnose or assess conditions such as:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Peptic ulcers
- Inflammation of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum
- Esophageal strictures (narrowing)
- Tumors in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum
- Abnormal bleeding in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum
Are there any risks associated with an EGD?
Although complications from an EGD are rare, some potential risks include:
- Bleeding
- Perforation of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum
- Infection
Your doctor can discuss the risks associated with an EGD before the procedure is performed. If you have any questions or concerns, make sure to ask your doctor prior to the procedure.
What should I expect during and after an EGD?
Prior to the procedure: 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. Specific instructions for EGD procedure prep will be provided by your gastroenterologist prior to your procedure, but all patients should prepare to:
- Arrange for a ride home, as EGD involves sedation and you should not drive.
- Do not eat or drink for 6 hours prior.
View Northeast Digestive Health Center's complete EGD prep instructions.
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 so that your doctor can examine the inside of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The procedure typically lasts between 15-30 minutes. Most patients consider the test only slightly uncomfortable, and many fall asleep during the procedure.
After the procedure: You will be monitored for 30 minutes after the procedure is complete. Your doctor may prescribe medications or recommend dietary changes depending on the findings from your EGD.
