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Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a test to examine the lining of the oesophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine. EGD is done with an endoscope which is a flexible tube with a camera at the end.
When you are in the Hospital
This is what the procedure involves:
• You will likely be given medicine into a vein (IV) to help you relax and not feel any pain.
• The endoscope will be inserted through the oesophagus (food pipe) to the stomach and first part of the
small intestine (duodenum). Air will be inserted through the endoscope to make it easier for the doctors to see.
• If needed, biopsies (tissue samples that are looked at under the microscope) will be taken through the endoscope.
• The test lasts about 15 – 20 mins.
Right After the Test
• You will be taken to an area to recover right after the test, and you might not remember how you got there as the sedative given to you would make you so sleepy.
• The nurse will check your blood pressure as well as your pulse and your IV will be removed.
• Your doctor will likely come to talk to you and explain the results of the test.
• Ask to have this information written down, as you may not remember what you were told later on.
• Results for any tissue biopsies that were done may take up to 1 to 3 weeks.
Getting Home
• Medicines you will be given can change the way you think and make it harder to remember for the rest of the day. As a result, it is not safe for you to drive a car or find your own way home.
• You will not be allowed to leave alone. You will need a friend or family member to take you home.
Eating and Drinking
• You will be asked to wait 30 minutes or more before drinking. Try small sips of water first, and when you can do this easily, you can begin with small amounts of solid foods.
• You may feel a little bloated from air pumped into your colon, and burp or pass gas more often over the day.
• If gas and bloating bother you, here are some things you can do:
o Use a heating pad
o Walk around
o Lie on your left side
Throughout the Day
• Do not plan to return to work for the rest of the day as it is not safe to drive or handle tools or equipment.
• You should also avoid making important work or legal decisions for the rest of the day, even if you believe your thinking is clear.
• Keep an eye on the site where the IV fluids and medicines were given and watch for any redness or swelling.
• Ask your doctor which medicines or blood thinners you should start taking again and when to take them.
• If you had a polyp removed, your provider may ask you to avoid lifting and other activities for up to 1 week.