EGD procedure: Purpose, preparation, procedure, and recovery Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe What is an esophagogastroduodenoscopy Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C — By Kristina Iavarone on August 29, 2022An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is an endoscopic procedure that helps doctors to diagnose and treat conditions of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The procedure involves using an endoscope, a camera that attaches to a thin tube. An EGD can detect changes, abnormalities, or blockages in the upper GI tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and upper section of the small intestine. This article describes what an EGD procedure is, what it looks for, and how it differs from other types of endoscopy. We also outline what happens before, during, and after the procedure and discuss the possible risks and complications. What it is and what it looks for Share on PinterestCostfoto/Future Publishing via Getty ImagesAn EGD involves using an instrument called an endoscope to examine the upper GI tract. An endoscope is a thin tube that attaches to a tiny camera. The procedure involves passing the endoscope through the mouth and down into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The duodenum is the upper section of the small intestine. During an EGD procedure, a doctor may insert tiny medical instruments through the endoscope to take tissue biopsies or help treat upper GI bleeding or blockages. Other types of endoscopies The National Library of Medicine (NLM) explains that EGD is one type of endoscopic procedure that allows doctors to view the upper GI tract. Learn more about endoscopy here. According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), other types of endoscopy procedures include:Colonoscopy: A doctor inserts the endoscope into the rectum to check for changes or abnormalities in the colon.Colposcopy: A doctor inserts the endoscope into the vagina to check for changes or abnormalities in the cervix. A person may undergo this procedure if cervical screening indicates abnormalities with the cervical cells.Hysteroscopy: A doctor inserts the endoscope into the vagina, past the cervix, and into the uterus to check for any changes inside the womb. A doctor may recommend this procedure to help determine the cause of the following symptoms:heavy periodspelvic painrepeated pregnancy lossfibroidspolypsCystoscopy: A doctor inserts the endoscope into the urethra and the bladder to check for issues. Purpose An EGD procedure may help doctors diagnose and treat conditions of the upper digestive tract. What symptoms suggest a person needs one Symptoms that indicate that a person may need to undergo an EGD procedure include:ongoing heartburnnausea and vomitingissues with swallowingsigns of bleeding in the GI tractunexplained weight loss What does it look for An ECG procedure looks for changes or abnormalities within the upper GI tract. Such changes may include: inflammationdilated blood vesselsabscessesulcersgrowths or tumorsforeign objects The American Cancer Society (ACS) states that doctors may perform an EGD procedure to investigate an area that appears suspicious on an X-ray or CT scan. What can it diagnose The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) explains that an EGD can help doctors diagnose the following GI conditions:stomach ulcersgastroesophageal reflux diseaseBarrett’s esophagus, when different tissue replaces the typical lining of the esophagusceliac diseaseprecancerous abnormalities or cancer Procedures it can help with The American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) states that doctors may use an EGD to help with the following:controlling bleedingwidening narrowed sections of the GI tractremoving tumors or foreign objectschecking if a person’s body is responding well to treatment Preparation The ACG states that a person will receive instructions from their doctor before undergoing an EGD procedure. In many cases, a doctor may advise someone to avoid eating or drinking 6–8 hours before the procedure. They may also instruct a person to stop taking certain medications. The ACS suggests that people let their medical team know if they are taking any supplements or vitamins or are allergic to any medications. A person will likely be under sedation for the EGD, meaning they may need time to become fully alert again. Therefore, they should arrange for someone else to drive them back home after the procedure. During the procedure An EGD is usually an outpatient procedure and takes about 15–30 minutes, though it may take longer in some cases. Additionally, a person should allow a few extra hours due to preparation time and recovery from sedation. The following is what typically happens during an EGD procedure:The care team asks the individual to remove their clothing and change into a gown. People who wear dentures may also have to remove them before the procedure.A medical professional administers a sedative medication through an IV line into the veins. They then note the person’s vital signs, including:heart rateblood pressurerespiratory rateoxygen levelA doctor may spray numbing medication at the back of the person’s throat to help prevent gagging when inserting the endoscope. They may also use a mouthpiece to help keep the mouth open during the procedure. The doctor then guides the endoscope into the esophagus, through the stomach and into the first part of the small intestine, and then back through. They may also take fluid or tissue samples if necessary. After the procedure Following the procedure, the healthcare team will transfer the person to the recovery area. Healthcare professionals may allow them to return home once their vital signs are stable and they are awake and alert. A doctor will usually instruct a person to avoid eating or drinking until their gag reflex returns to reduce any risk of choking. For the first few days following the procedure, individuals may experience a sore throat when swallowing. Over-the-counter pain relief should help alleviate any throat pain, though people should check with their doctor that these are safe to use. Risks and complications The risk of complications during or following an EGD procedure is low. However, the NIDDK notes that people may experience the following:bleeding from biopsy areasperforation of the lining of the upper GI tractadverse effects, such as breathing and heart problems, from the sedation medication Those who experience a reaction to sedatives may receive additional medications or IV fluids during or after the procedure. The NIDDK also advises people to seek immediate medical help if they develop any of the following symptoms during or after an EGD procedure:chest painbreathing difficultiesvomiting feverabdominal pain that worsens over timebloody stool Results A surgeon may discuss diagnostic results on the same day as the EGD procedure. Alternatively, they may schedule another appointment, especially if they need to await the results of a biopsy. The NIDDK explains that biopsy results are usually available within a few days. Summary An EGD procedure is an endoscopic procedure that allows a doctor to diagnose and treat conditions of the upper GI tract. Doctors may recommend an EGD procedure to help determine the cause of GI symptoms, such as chronic heartburn, nausea and vomiting, and unexplained weight loss. An EGD is typically an outpatient procedure requiring sedation. Most people will experience a sore throat following the procedure. Other, less common complications include perforation of the upper GI tract, bleeding, and complications from the sedative. A person can speak with their doctor for further information about the risks and benefits of an EGD. Last medically reviewed on August 29, 2022GastroIntestinal / GastroenterologyMedical Devices / Diagnostics 8 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Ahlawat;, R., et al. (2021). Esophagogastroduodenoscopy.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532268/Balzora, S. M. (2018). Upper GI endoscopy (EGD).https://gi.org/topics/upper-gi-endoscopy-egd/Endoscopy. (2022).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/endoscopy/Lui, T. K. L., et al. (2020). Accuracy of artificial intelligence–assisted detection of upper GI lesions: A systematic review and meta-analysis [Abstract].https://www.giejournal.org/article/S0016-5107(20)34459-X/fulltextOverview - hysteroscopy. (2018).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hysteroscopy/Upper endoscopy. (2019).https://www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-diagnosis/tests/endoscopy/upper-endoscopy.htmlUpper GI endoscopy. (2017).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/upper-gi-endoscopyUpper GI endoscopy. (n.d.).https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/upper-gi-endoscopyFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C — By Kristina Iavarone on August 29, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? 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