|
What is EGD?
Upper GI endoscopy - or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
- is a visual examination of the lining of your oesophagus,
stomach and the first part of your intestine. This is performed
by passing a small, long flexible telescope through your mouth,
under sedation. The doctor will be able to look for any
abnormalities which may be present. If necessary, small tissue
samples (biopsies) can be taken during the examination
(painlessly) for detailed laboratory analysis.
Some other treatments can also be done through the endoscope.
These include stretching (dilating) narrowed areas of the
oesophagus, stomach or duodenum, removing polyps and swallowed
objects, and treatment of bleeding vessels and ulcers by
internal injection, or application of heat (using electrical
diathermy, laser or heat probes).
Preparation
Your stomach must be empty, so do not eat or drink anything
after midnight. If you must take prescription medication, use
only small sips of water. Do not take antacids, but please do
take your antihypertensive medications, steroids, heart
medication, asthma and epilepsy with sips of water at usual time
and bring all medications with you.
What will happen?
The doctor and/or nurse will explain the procedure and answer
your questions. Please tell them if you have had any other
endoscopic examinations, or any allergies or bad reactions to
medications. You will be asked to sign a consent form, giving
your permission for the examination. You will need to put on a
hospital gown, and to remove your eyeglasses, contact lenses and
dentures.
A local anaesthetic will be sprayed onto your throat, to make it
numb. You may be given medication by injection through a vein to
make you sleepy and relaxed. While in a comfortable position on
your left side, the doctor will pass the endoscope through your
mouth, and down your throat. A guard will be placed to protect
your teeth. The instrument will not interfere with your
breathing, nor cause any pain. The examination takes 5-10
minutes. Your pulse and blood pressure could be monitored and
suctioning of saliva will be done if needed.
Afterwards
You will remain in the clinic area for up to 1 hour, until the
main effects of any medication wear off. Your throat may feel
numb and slightly sore. You should not attempt to eat or drink
until your swallowing reflex is normal (at least 1 hour). After
this you may return to your regular diet unless otherwise
instructed. You may feel slightly bloated, due to the air which
has been injected through the endoscope; this will quickly pass.
If you have had a sedative injection, a companion must be
available to drive you home. For the remainder of the day you
should not drive a car, operate machinery, or make important
decisions, as the sedation impairs your reflexes and judgment.
Risks?
Endoscopy can result in complications such as reactions to
medication, perforation of the intestine, and bleeding. These
complications are very rare (less than one in 1000
examinations), but may require urgent treatment, and even an
operation. The possibility of complication is greater when the
endoscope is used to apply treatment. Be sure to inform us if
you have any pain, black tarry stools, or troublesome vomiting
in the hours or days after endoscopy.
When Do I Know the
Results?
In many cases, the doctor will be able to tell you the results
after the tests, or if you have been sedated, as soon as you are
awake. However, if a sample (biopsy) has been taken for
examination, the results may take a few days.
|
