EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy test)

Mar 07, 2009

     Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is an examination of the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum with a small camera (flexible endoscope) which is inserted down the throat.

How the test is performed :  You will be given a sedative and an analgesic (pain killer). A local anesthetic may be sprayed into your mouth to suppress the need to cough or gag when the endoscope is inserted. A mouth guard will be inserted to protect your teeth and the endoscope. Dentures must be removed.

In most cases, an intravenous line will be inserted into your arm to administer medications during the procedure.

You will be instructed to lie on your left side.

After the sedatives have taken effect, the endoscope will be advanced through the esophagus (food pipe) to the stomach and duodenum. Air will be introduced through the endoscope to enhance viewing. The lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum is examined, and biopsies can be obtained through the endoscope. Biopsies are tissue samples that are reviewed under the microscope.

After the test is completed, food and liquids will be restricted until your gag reflex returns (so you don't choke).

The test lasts about 5 to 20 minutes.

taken from http:// www.walgreens.com/library/contents.html?docid=003888&doctype=1 on March 7, 2009)

Just got home from a calm experience.  I was scared to do this pre-surgery test because like most folks I hate needles and have surgery jitters.  It went well.  My procedure was done at Doctor's Hospital and to their credit, they took care of me. 

I have small veins so the nurse did what she called a heat pack.  She took hot, wet towels and placed them over my hand and arm.  She said my veins would gravitate toward the heat and be easier to stick.  She was right; it worked.  I had to wait for my procedure for a while, but once they got going, It went fast. 

I was awakened, wheeled into a post-op area where I was given apple juice and paperwork.  A guy wheeled me out to the vehicle and my hubby drove me away to hope.

To state again, I was worried about doctor's sticking things down my throat to view my insides, but It is two hours later and I am pain free, pleasantly sleepy and I don't feel any soreness in my throat or stomach.  Hope this helps you.  I am a scary cat so for me to state these words, says a lot.

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