Is a test to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine
You will not be able to eat anything for 6-12 hours before the test. You must sign and informed consent form. You may be told to stop taking aspirin and other blood-thinning medicines for several days before the procedure.
You will be given a sedative and a painkiller. You should feel no pain and not remember the procedure. A local anesthetic may be sprayed into your mouth to prevent you from coughing or gagging when the endoscope is inserted. A mouth guard will be inserted to protect your teeth and the endoscope. If you have dentures, they will need to be removed. In most cases, a needle (IV) will be inserted into a vein in your arm to give you medications during the procedure. You will be instructed to lie on your left side. After the sedatives have taken effect the endoscope is inserted through the esophagus to the stomach and duodenum. Air is put into the endoscope to make it easier for the doctor to see. The lining of the esophagus, stomach, and supper duodenum is examined. Biopsies can and may be taken through the endoscope. Different treatments may be done, such as stretching or widening a narrow area of the esophagus.
The local anesthetic makes swallowing difficult. This wears off shortly after the procedure. The endoscope may make you gag. You may feel gas and the movement of the scope in your abdomen. You will not be able to feel the biopsy. Because of the sedation, you may not feel any discomfort and have no memory of the test.
What happens after the Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) test is finished?
After the test is finished, you will not be able to have foods and liquids until your gag reflux returns. The test lasts about 5-20 minutes. When you wake up, you may feel a little bloated from the air that was put into your body through the endoscope. This feeling will wear off in a short period of time. You may not drive home after the test, due to the anesthesia. Full recovery is expected the next day.