A thin, flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope will be used for the procedure. Right before the procedure the physician will spray your throat with a numbing agent that may help prevent gagging. You will receive medicine to sedate you during the exam. The endoscope transmits an image of the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, so the physician can 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 ulcers, through the endoscope that don’t show up well on x-rays. The physician can also insert instruments into the scope to remove samples of tissue (biopsy) for further tests. The physician may also use instruments to stop bleeding.

Your stomach and duodenum must be empty for the procedure to be thorough and safe. Please see the EGD preparation instructions for complete details. You may resume your normal diet after the procedure, unless advised otherwise.

The procedure takes 5-20 minutes; however, you should be prepared to be at the hospital for 2 ½-3 hours. Because you will be sedated, you will need to rest at the hospital for approximately one hour until the medication wears off. Also, you must arrange for someone to take you home--you will not be allowed to drive because of the sedatives, The day after your procedure, you may return to work or school and your other normal activities. Your physician may give you other special instructions.

If biopsies were taken during the procedure, we normally receive the results within 7-10 business days. After your physician reviews the report, we will call you with results.