Treatment

Upper Endoscopy (EGD)

Overview

Upper Endoscopy, is also known as EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy), is a medical procedure used to look inside your upper digestive system— including the esophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). Doctors use a thin, flexible tube with a camera called an endoscope to find out what’s causing symptoms like pain, nausea, difficulty swallowing or bleeding. It is a safe, commonly performed test that helps diagnose and sometimes treat issues in the upper GI tract.

Why Upper Endoscopy (EGD) is Required?

• To investigate chronic heartburn, indigestion, or acid reflux.
• If you have trouble swallowing or feel food is getting stuck.
• To check causes of unexplained nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
• For diagnosing ulcers, infections, or tumors.
• To detect bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
• To perform biopsies if any suspicious area is found.
• To remove polyps, food blockages, or treat narrowed areas.

Key Advantages of EGD Treatment

• Offers clear visuals of the inner digestive system.
• Quick and accurate diagnosis of many GI conditions.
• Enables tissue sampling (biopsy) without major surgery.
• Can be used for treatment — not just diagnosis for example stopping bleeding, removing growths.
• Safer and less invasive than surgical procedures.
• Provides answers when other tests (like X-rays or ultrasounds) are inconclusive.

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before Upper Endoscopy Treatment

• Do not eat or drink for at least 6–8 hours before the procedure.
• Inform your doctor about any medications, especially blood thinners or diabetes meds.
• Tell your doctor if you have heart, lung, or bleeding disorders.
• Arrange for someone to take you home after the test, as sedation may be used.
• Avoid alcohol or smoking the day before the test.

How Upper Endoscopy (EGD) Treatment is Performed?

• The procedure is done in a hospital or clinic setting.
• You may receive a mild sedative through an IV to help you relax.
• A numbing spray may be applied to your throat to reduce discomfort.
• The egd scope, a thin flexible tube with a camera, is gently inserted through your mouth.
• The doctor guides the tube into your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
• The entire process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

What You Can Expect Before, During and After Procedure?

• Before the Procedure:
• You will be asked to fast and arrive early.
• A consent form will be signed.
• You may receive a sedative to stay relaxed.
• During the Procedure:
• You will lie on your side.
• The doctor inserts the egd scope gently.
• You may feel slight pressure or bloating, but no pain.
• After the Procedure:
• You will rest until the sedative wears off (about an hour).
• You may have a sore throat or mild bloating.
• Results are shared the same day or after biopsy reports.

Risk and Potential Complications

• Sore throat or bloating (temporary).
• Rarely, bleeding, especially if a biopsy is taken.
• Infection, though very rare.
• Tear or perforation of the GI tract (extremely uncommon).
• Mild reaction to the sedative.

Results/Outcomes

• Provides valuable insight into upper GI conditions.
• Detects ulcers, tumors, infections, and inflammation.
• Helps start early treatment plans or perform immediate treatment.
• If biopsies are taken, results usually come in a few days.
• Overall, it’s a highly successful and low-risk procedure.