UPPER ENDOSCOPY
Also known as ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY or EGD
This procedure enables the physician to examine the structure and the lining of your esophagus (food
pipe), stomach, and the duodenum (which connects the stomach to the small intestines).
*Upper endoscopy helps your physician evaluate symptoms of heartburn, indigestion, nausea, vomiting,
upper abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or to find the cause of bleeding from the upper
gastrointestinal tract. This procedure is more accurate than x-ray because the physician can actually see
inflammation, ulcers or tumors, as well as other possible abnormalities of the lining or structure of the
esophagus, stomach and duodenum.
To prepare for the upper endoscopy, you must have an empty stomach- Nothing to eat or drink for 6 to
7 hours before the procedure.
*To make the procedure more comfortable for you, medication called conscious sedation will be given
through an IV into your vein. This medication will help you relax and make you sleepy. The medicine
which is commonly used is Demerol or Fentanyl, and Versed. Conscious sedation is also known as
"Twilight Sleep". Most patients do not remember the procedure. You will be lying on your left side
during the procedure. The back of your throat will be sprayed with a local anesthetic, to numb the area
and help prevent gagging. The physician will then pass the endoscope ( a flexible rubber scope with a
light and camera at the end of it- as big around as a pencil) over your tongue, down the esophagus, into
the stomach and then into the duodenum. You will be able to breath during this procedure. A nurse will
be by your side during the procedure, watching your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing. The
nurse will also suction secretions, such as saliva as needed. The procedure in general will last 15
minutes.
*During the upper endoscopy, the physician can take biopsies (small tissue samples) to rule out any
abnormalities that may be seen better under the microscope. He may also be able to stretch any
narrowed areas, removed polyps (lumps or bumps in the lining), or treat bleeding areas.
*Complications are rare. Bleeding can occur at a biopsy site, or where the polyp was removed. It is
usually minimal and rarely requires follow-up. Other potential risks include reaction to the conscious
sedation, and perforation (a tear in the gastrointestinal tract lining). Irritation to the vein the medication
is given is uncommon, but may cause a tender area or lumps that may last several days. Warm, moist
towels will help with this discomfort. You may have a slightly scratchy, or sore throat after the
procedure, sucking on lozenges or cool Popsicle may help. This should go away within a few days.
*After the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery area where you will be monitored for 1-2 hours
until most of the effects of the sedative have worn off, into can swallow safely. You may have a slightly
sore throat, which should go away after a few days. He will be able to resume her usual diet and take
routine medication after the procedure, unless otherwise instructed by the physician.
Because of the sedation used during you procedure, IT IS ILLEGAL TO DRIVE HOME! You must make
arrangements for a ride. No driving or operating heavy machinery or equipment for 24 hours.
*Please contact your physician if you notice any signs of complication such as difficulty swallowing,
worsening throat pain, chest pain, severe abdominal pain, fever, or chills.
*The physician can discuss the findings of the upper endoscopy with who ever came with you, or he can
write this down, as you may not remember the conversation directly after the procedure as a result of
the sedation. Results from the laboratory take at least 2 weeks. The physician or his assistant will call
you with these results, and a copy of the report and procedure will be sent to your primary care
provider.
If you should have any questions, or if require additional information please feel free to contact our
office.
Binghamton Gastroenterology
40 Mitchell Avenue
Binghamton New York 13903-1678.
Phone 607-772-0639
Fax: 607-722-4610