Upper
endoscopy enables the physician to look inside the esophagus, stomach,
and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). The procedure
might be used to discover the reason for swallowing difficulties,
nausea, vomiting, reflux, bleeding, indigestion, abdominal pain,
or chest pain. Upper endoscopy is also called EGD, which stands
for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (eh-SAH-fuh-goh-GAS-troh-doo-AH-duh-NAH-skuh-pee).
For the procedure you will swallow a thin, flexible, lighted tube
called an endoscope (EN-doh-skope). Right before the procedure the
physician will spray your throat with a numbing agent that may help
prevent gagging. You may also receive pain medicine and a sedative
to help you relax during the exam. The endoscope transmits an image
of the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, so the physician
can carefully examine the lining of these organs. The scope also blows
air into the stomach; this expands the folds of tissue and makes it
easier for the physician to examine the stomach.
The physician can see abnormalities, like inflammation or bleeding,
through the endoscope that don't show up well on x rays. The physician
can also insert instruments into the scope to treat bleeding abnormalities
or remove samples of tissue (biopsy) for further tests.
Possible complications of upper endoscopy include bleeding and puncture
of the stomach lining. However, such complications are rare. Most
people will probably have nothing more than a mild sore throat after
the procedure.
The procedure takes 20 to 30 minutes. Because you will be sedated,
you will need to rest at the endoscopy facility for 1 to 2 hours until
the medication wears off.
Preparation
Your stomach and duodenum must be empty for the procedure to be thorough
and safe, so you will not be able to eat or drink anything for at
least 6 hours beforehand. Also, you must arrange for someone to take
you home—you will not be allowed to drive because of the sedatives.
Your physician may give you other special instructions.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sabbaghian, please call (337) 783-3624.
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