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Your doctor has recommended that
you have a medical procedure called upper GI endoscopy to evaluate or treat
your condition. This info will help you understand how upper GI endoscopy can
benefit you and what you can expect before, during, and after this procedure.
What is Upper GI Endoscopy? (EGD)
The term "endoscopy" refers to a special technique
for looking inside a part of the body. “Upper GI" is the portion of the
gastrointestinal tract, or digestive system, which includes the esophagus, the
swallowing tube leading to the stomach, which is connected to the duodenum,
the beginning of the small intestine. The esophagus carries food from the
mouth for digestion in the stomach and duodenum.
Upper GI endoscopy (EGD) is a procedure performed by a
gastroenterologist, a well-trained subspecialist who uses the endoscope to
diagnose and, in some cases, treat problems of the upper digestive system.
The endoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny video
camera and light on the end. By adjusting the various controls on the
endoscope, the gastroenterologist can safely guide the instrument to carefully
examine the inside lining of the upper digestive system.
The high quality picture from the endoscope is shown on a TV
monitor; it gives a clear, detailed view. In many cases, upper GI endoscopy is
a more precise examination than X-ray studies.
An upper GI endoscopy (EGD) can be helpful in the evaluation
or diagnosis of various problems, including difficult or painful swallowing,
pain in the stomach or abdomen, and bleeding, ulcers, and tumors.
What is an EGD with Sav Dilation?
Occasionally, the
esophagus can become blocked or injured in a variety of ways.
Esophageal dilatation is the technique used to stretch or open the
blocked portion of the esophagus. There
are several causes of blockage or stricture of the esophagus. They all can make swallowing food and/or fluids difficult. The physician’s first job is to find the reason for the
stricture or narrowing. The
answer can usually be provided by the medical history, physical exam, x-rays,
and endoscopy which is a visual exam of the esophagus using a flexible fiber
optic tube.
EGD with Sav Dilation
is usually performed effectively and without problems. However, some complications can occur. A small amount of bleeding can sometimes happen at the
treatment site. An uncommon but
known complication is perforation of the esophagus. The wall of the esophagus is thin and, despite the best efforts of the
physician, can tear.
Narrowing or stricture
of the esophagus is a very common problem. The physician can almost always uncover the specific cause of the
stricture. And there are a
variety of treatment options available for the physician. Complications are rare and, in most instances, a satisfactory outcome
occurs with complete clearing of or improvement in the swallowing problem.
How Do I Prepare for the Procedure?
Regardless of the reason upper GI endoscopy has been
recommended for you, there are important steps you can take to prepare for and
participate in the procedure. First, be sure to give your doctor a complete
list of all the medicines you are taking and any allergies you have to drugs
or other substances.
Your medical team will also want to know if you have heart,
lung, or other medical conditions that may need special attention before,
during, or after upper GI endoscopy. You will be given instructions in advance
that will outline what you should and should not do in preparation for the
upper GI endoscopy. Be sure to read and follow these instructions.
One very important step in preparing for upper GI endoscopy is
that you should not eat or drink after midnight the night before your
procedure. Food in the stomach will block the view through the endoscope, and
it could cause vomiting.
An upper GI endoscopy (EGD) can be done in either as an
outpatient in a hospital setting or in an ambulatory surgery center. You’ll
be asked to sign a form that verifies that you consent to having the procedure
and that you understand what is involved.
If there is anything you don’t understand, ask for more
information!
What Can You Expect During an Upper GI Endoscopy?
During the procedure, everything will be done to help you be
as comfortable as possible. Your blood pressure, pulse, and the oxygen level
in your blood will be carefully monitored. Your doctor may give you a sedative
medication; the drug will make you relaxed and drowsy, but you will remain
awake enough to cooperate.
You may also have your throat sprayed or be asked to gargle
with a local anesthetic to help keep you comfortable as the endoscope is
passed. A supportive mouthpiece will be placed to help you keep your mouth
open during the endoscopy. Once you are fully prepared, your doctor will
gently maneuver the endoscope into position.
As the endoscope is slowly and carefully inserted, air is
introduced through it to help your doctor see better. During the procedure,
you should feel no pain and it will not interfere with your breathing.
Your doctor will use the endoscope to look closely for any
problems that may require evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.
In some cases, it may be necessary to take a sample of tissue,
called a biopsy, for later examination under the microscope. This, too, is a
painless procedure. In other cases, this endoscope can be used to treat a
problem such as active bleeding from an ulcer.
What are the Possible Complications
From an Upper GI
Endoscopy?
Years of experience have proved that upper GI endoscopy is a
safe procedure. Typically, it takes only 15-20 minutes to perform.
Complications rarely occur. These include perforation - a
puncture of the intestinal wall, which could require surgical repair, and
bleeding, which could require transfusion. Again, these complications are
unlikely. Be sure to discuss any specific concerns you may have with your
doctor.
When your endoscopy is completed you’ll be cared for in a
recovery area until most of the effects of the medication have worn off.
Your doctor will inform you about the results of the procedure
and provide any additional information you need to know.
What Can I Expect After My Upper GI
Endoscopy?
You will be given instructions regarding how soon you can eat
and drink, plus other guidelines for resuming your normal activity.
Occasionally, minor problems may persist, such as mild sore
throat, bloating, or cramping; these should disappear in 24 hours or less.
By the time you’re ready to go home, you’ll feel stronger
and more alert. Nevertheless, you should plan on resting for the remainder of
the day. This means not driving, so you’ll need to have a family member or
friend take you home.
We ask that you call our office in one week to get any biopsy
results. Please call in the
morning and your results will be reviewed by the physician. Normally, the doctor’s medical assistant will call you back
in the afternoon with your results.
How Endoscopy
Works
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The
endoscopy is inserted in your mouth and gently edged down your
esophagus
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The
endoscope will be inserted until it reaches your stomach
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Once
in the stomach, your doctor will look closely for any problems areas
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If
anything suspicious is found, your doctor will take a sample for
biopsy
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