Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a test to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine (the duodenum).
How the Test is Performed
EGD is performed in a medical or hospital center. The procedure involves an endoscope. It is a tube that can be bent that has a camera and a light at the bottom.
The procedure follows in the following manner:
● During the procedure the blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels are monitored. Wires are inserted into specific regions of your body and then connected to machines to keep track of these vital indicators.
● The patient is given the medicine through the vein that helps you to relax. There should be no discomfort and should not be able to be able to remember the procedure.
● An local anesthetic can be sprayed directly into your mouth to stop you from gagging or coughing when the scope is introduced.
● A mouth guard is designed to safeguard your teeth as well as the range. Dentures should be removed prior to when the procedure starts.
● Then lie in your back on the left.
● The scope is introduced via the stomach (food pipe) to the stomach , and the duodenum. The duodenum forms the first section of small intestine.
● Air is introduced into the scope in order to aid the doctor to view.
● The liner of the esophagus stomach, and the duodenum are examinated. Biopsies are able to be examined through the microscope. Biopsies are samples of tissue which are examined under microscopes.
● Different procedures can be performed by stretching or widening the narrowed portion of the esophagus.
When the test is over after the test, you will not be allowed to eat or liquids until you feel your gag reflex return (so that you do not get choked).
The test can last from five to twenty minutes.
Follow all instructions you're given to recover at home.
How to Prepare for the Test
It is not possible to eat for six to 12 hours prior to the test. Be sure to follow the instructions for stopping aspirin or other blood-thinning medications prior to the test.
What the Test Will Feel
The anesthetic spray makes it difficult to swallow. It will ease off soon following the procedure. The scope can cause you to gag.
Gas may be felt and the motion of the scope inside your abdomen. It is not possible for the test to be felt. Due to sedation, you will have no discomfort or you will not remember the procedure.
It is possible to feel bloated due to the air you breathed in your system. This sensation will soon fade.
Why the Test is Performed
EGD Procedure can be performed when you experience symptoms that are not old and cannot be explained or do not respond to treatment, for example:
● Stools that are black or tarry as well as vomit blood
● Re-warming food (regurgitation)
● Feeling more fuller than usual, or after eating less food than the norm
● Feeling as if food is stuck behind your breastbone
● Heartburn
● A low Blood count ( anemia) that is not able to be understood
● In the abdomen of the upper region.
● Trouble swallowing or pain swallowing
● Loss of weight that isn't explained
● Nausea, vomiting or nausea that does not stop
The doctor could also recommend this test if youare:
● Are suffering from Cirrhosis that affects the liver. to check for swollen veins (called varices) within those walls that line the bottom portion of the esophagus. They might begin bleeding.
● Are you suffering from Crohn illness
● Do you require more follow-up treatment or follow-up for a disease which has been identified
The test could also be used to collect the tissue sample to be used for biopsy.
Normal Results
The stomach, esophagus and duodenum should be clean and normal in color. There shouldn't be any bleeding, ulcers, growths or swelling.
What Abnormal Results Mean
An abnormal EGD could result from:
● Celiac Disease (damage in the inner lining of the small intestine as a result of a reaction to eating gluten)
● Esophageal varices (swollen veins that line the esophagus' lining result from the liver condition cirrhosis)
● Esophagitis (lining of the esophagus is constricted or inflamed)
● Gastritis (lining that covers the duodenum as well as stomach that is swelling or inflamed)
● Gastroesophageal reflux illness (a condition that occurs when liquid or food from the stomach spills out and into the esophagus)
● Hernia hiatus (a condition where part of the stomach is pushed upwards into the chest through an open in the diaphragm)
● Mallory-Weiss Syndrome (tear into the stomach)
● The narrowing or tightening of the esophagus as a result of a condition known as an esophageal Ring
● Cancerous or tumors in the stomach, esophagus or the duodenum (first section of the small intestine)
● Ulcers and stomach (stomach) as well as duodenal (small small intestine)
Risks
There is a possibility of creating a opening (perforation) inside the stomach or duodenum or esophagus due to the scope's movement through these regions. Also, there is a slight chance of bleeding at the site of biopsy.
It is possible to experience an allergic reaction to the medicine you are using during the procedure. This can result in:
● Apnea (not air breathing)
● Trouble breathing (respiratory depression)
● Extreme sweating
● Hypotension or low blood pressure ( hypotension)
● A slow heartbeat ( bradycardia)
● Larynx spasms (laryngospasm)