Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in Louisiana
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Find a ProviderWhat is an esophagogastroduodenoscopy?
An EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) is an endoscopic treatment where a long, slender, soft tube, or “scope” is placed into a patient’s mouth and moved to the beginning of the small intestine, known as the duodenum. The scope has a camera and light at the end, which allows our GI specialists at GastroGroup & Endocenter to easily examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and the beginning of the small intestine.
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy procedure may be suggested as a way to determine the cause of gastrointestinal problems, like pain in the abdomen, heartburn and/or acid reflux, difficulty swallowing, bleeding, or abnormal findings from an x-ray. An EGD may also be performed for Louisiana patients with chronic heartburn symptoms to look for signs of esophageal cancer. If you require an EGD, request a visit with a gastrointestinal specialist at GastroGroup & Endocenter.
What can I expect the day before My esophagogastroduodenoscopy?
You will get pre-op instructions from your GI specialist regarding the preparation required for your EGD. Most patients are allowed to eat their regular meals the day leading up to the exam. We may ask you not to take anything by mouth after midnight, with the exception of certain medications. It is crucial to abide by the instructions given to you by your doctor at GastroGroup & Endocenter. There will also be additional guidance about any medications you take. Generally, your medications will be continued as normal. This may not be true of all medications, particularly with blood thinners (i.e., Plavix®, Coumadin®, warfarin, anti-inflammatories, aspirin) or for diabetics. In these cases, your doctor will provide different instructions.
What should I expect on the day of my EGD?
We will ask you to show up to the endoscopy center in Louisiana about an hour or an hour and a half before your procedure. You will need to replace your clothes with a medical gown. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be started in your arm so sedation can be administered. We’ll have you connected to special equipment that allows your doctor to keep track of your heart rate, blood pressure, and more throughout your exam.
After settling into the exam room, we’ll ask you to relax on your left side on our exam table. Intravenous (IV) sedation will be started. Once you are sedated, the endoscope will be inserted into your mouth. The scope will be carefully snaked through the esophagus, stomach, and the the first portion of the small intestine (duodenum). Injecting a small amount of air through the scope into the GI tract will help the team see the area better. Any remaining fluid in your upper GI tract will be removed through the scope. Depending on the results of the exam, a number of things could be implemented, like control of bleeding, the removal of polyps, and biopsies. You can expect that the exam takes about 10 – 20 minutes. Following the exam, you will be taken to one of our comfortable recovery rooms so we can monitor you while the sedation begins to wear off.
When will I receive my test results?
Once the exam is complete, our GI specialist will review the outcome of your examination with you. Many patients can’t remember what they were told later on because of the effects of the IV sedation. We encourage you to bring a friend or family member with you with whom the results can also be discussed. You will also go home with a typed report. In a number of situations, you will be informed of any biopsy results in a week.
Does an EGD carry any risks?
Typically, an EGD is a safe and reliable procedure with complications only developing in about 1% of patients. Generally, these complications are non-life-threatening. However, if a complication occurs, it may result in hospitalization and surgery. Before your exam, a consent form will be shared with you by our team. If you have any questions or concerns, these can be discussed with our team prior to your EGD.
Such as any other test, the EGD is not perfect. There is a small, recognized possibility that irregularities, like cancers, can be undiscovered at the time of your esophagogastroduodenoscopy. It’s important to maintain visits with our gastrointestinal doctors and inform them of any new or incessant symptoms.
Are there alternate options to an esophagogastroduodenoscopy?
Generally, the substitutes to the exam will depend on the cause of requesting an esophagogastroduodenoscopy to begin with. In most cases, an EGD is the best way to evaluate and treat abnormalities in the upper GI tract. Although, the x-ray called an upper GI/barium swallow can check the upper GI tract too. This is, keep in mind, just a diagnostic test. Treating any findings might require an EGD or surgery.
Diagnostic EGD to treat symptoms
If you or a family member has been experiencing unpleasant issues, including frequent heartburn, trouble swallowing, and/or intestinal aches, then you could benefit from a diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy. You can find a GI doctor who offers an EGD in Louisiana at our office. Get in touch with GastroGroup & Endocenter today to book your EGD.
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Great doctor! Would definitely recommend 10/10! He has done 3 EGD's on me within the last 2 years and he and his staff are nothing short of amazing!
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