ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY (EGD)

WHAT IS AN ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY (EGD)?
An EGD is a procedure in which a physician uses an endoscope (small scope or tube with a camera on one end) to look at the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum (small intestine).

WHY SHOULD I HAVE AN EGD?
This procedure may help determine the cause of gastrointestinal abnormalities of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

WHAT INDICATORS DO I NEED TO CONSIDER?	WHAT DISEASES OR ILLNESSES CAN BE FOUND?
Nausea Vomiting/Vomiting blood Non-cardiac chest pain Burning in chest or throat Vomiting blood Cough Difficulty swallowing	Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Barretts Disease Celiac Sprue Esophageal Varices Ulcers in the stomach or esophagus

ENDOSCOPE
Thin flexible instrument used to visualize the inside of your esophagus, stomach and duodenum. It contains a small camera with a light on the end to videotape images. If necessary, your physician will be able to collect a biopsy (small growths and tissue samples) through this instrument.

PREPARATION
Your physician or nurse will give you instructions on preparing for this procedure.
IMPORTANT: Please call your physician if you were unable to complete your prep. It may be necessary that your test be re-scheduled.
You will also receive instructions on which foods or liquids you may eat or drink prior to the procedure. You may be asked to stay on liquids 1-2 days before your scheduled
procedure. -
For your safety, you will be asked to stop eating or drinking any food or liquids at least 4 hours prior to the procedure.
IMPORTANT: Please tell us in advance if your health history has changed in any way since you last saw your GI physician.

UPON ADMISSION

• Your nurse will take your blood pressure, temperature and other vital signs
• You will be asked about pain of any kind
• Your nurse will go over all of the forms that will need to be filled out
• Your medications and allergies to medications will be reviewed
• An IV will be started
• An assessment will be complete

THE PROCEDURE

• Monitors will be placed on you in order that we may monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation.
• You will be placed on a small amount of oxygen through a nasal cannula.
  Medications will be given by physicians orders throughout the procedure (medications most commonly used are Demerol; Versed; Fentanyl; and Phenergan). Please notify your nurse if you are allergic to any of these medications.
• Your physician may take biopsies, remove polyps or perform treatment during the procedure (specimens will be sent for testing and your physicians office will call you with the results).
• The procedure will usually take an average of 30-45 minutes.
  We require that the person accompanying you remain at the Center during your procedure and to drive you home after your procedure. If you have any valuables with you, we will ask that you give them to the person accompanying you. Remember to ask any questions that you may have at any time.

We require that the person accompanying you remain at the Center during your procedure and to drive you home after your procedure. If you have any valuables with you, we will ask that you give them to the person accompanying you. Remember to ask any questions that you may have at any time.

RECOVERY
You will remain in recovery for at least 30 minutes. The nurse will take your temperature, vital signs and do an assessment and the physician will talk to you about your procedure. If appropriate, you will then be given fluids to drink.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS
Discharge instructions will be reviewed with you and the person accompanying you and will include all of the following:

• Do not operate machinery or heavy equipment for 24 hour
• Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours
• Drink plenty of other fluids
• Avoid any foods that are greasy or spicy for the first meal
• Call your physician if you experience severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or bleeding.
  

You may be very sleepy at the time of discharge. You are encouraged to go home and rest for the rest of the day. Any special instructions from your physician will be written on the discharge sheet. Your physician will determine if follow-up is needed.