Doctors use Upper Endoscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) to view the inside of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the top of the small intestine). The highly experienced doctors at Gastrointestinal & Liver Consultants in Santa Ana, Irvine, Anaheim, and Westminster California, use Upper Endoscopy to diagnose symptoms like abdominal pain and acid reflux. They can also treat problems like gastric ulcers using Upper Endoscopy. Call Gastrointestinal & Liver Consultants today or book an appointment online to learn more about Upper Endoscopy and its role in diagnosis and treatment.
Upper Endoscopy Q&A
What is an Upper Endoscopy?
An upper endoscopy, also known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), is a procedure used to examine the upper part of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). It helps diagnose conditions affecting these areas, such as ulcers, inflammation, tumors, and other abnormalities. The procedure is also used to investigate symptoms like persistent heartburn, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss.
What is an Upper Endoscopy used for?
- Diagnosing Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Investigating Persistent Heartburn or Acid Reflux
- Identifying Ulcers or Inflammation in the Esophagus, Stomach, or Duodenum
- Evaluating Tumors, Growths, or Abnormal Tissue in the Upper Digestive Tract
- Diagnosing Causes of Nausea, Vomiting, or Difficulty Swallowing
- Monitoring for Complications of Conditions like Celiac Disease
Upper Endoscopy is more precise than X-rays when looking for stomach, esophageal, and duodenal cancer, ulcers, and inflammation. Your Gastrointestinal & Liver Consultants doctor also uses Upper Endoscopy to examine the esophagus and stomach after major surgery.
In addition to seeing the digestive system tissues on a screen in the treatment room, your doctor can also perform biopsies. These use a specially designed instrument that takes small tissue samples for lab analysis.
Your doctor can use additional endoscopic instruments to treat various conditions without pain. They can expand narrowed areas, remove polyps (small growths) or swallowed objects, and control upper GI bleeding.
What happens when I have an Upper Endoscopy?
Proper preparation is essential for a successful upper endoscopy. Your stomach must be empty for 8 hours before your Upper Endoscopy. The procedure lasts about 15-20 minutes. You will be given a sedative to help you relax and reduce discomfort during the procedure. A flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) is inserted through your mouth and gently advanced down your throat into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The doctor will carefully inspect the lining of these areas for any abnormalities, such as ulcers, inflammation, or tumors. If needed, biopsies or tissue samples can be taken for further testing, and small issues, like polyps or bleeding, can be treated during the procedure. After the procedure, you will be monitored until the sedative wears off, and the results will help guide any necessary follow-up care or treatment.
What happens after an Upper Endoscopy?
After your Upper Endoscopy, you will stay in the recovery area for 1–2 hours while the sedative wears off. It is common to feel bloated due to the air introduced into your stomach during the procedure, and you may experience mild throat soreness for a day or two.
Preliminary results will be shared on the day of the procedure. If biopsies are taken, it typically takes 2–3 weeks to receive those results. It is recommended to schedule a follow-up appointment 2–3 weeks after the procedure to review the results and discuss your treatment plan.