Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in Hattiesburg, MS
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Find a ProviderWhat is esophagogastroduodenoscopy?
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a gastrointestinal procedure in which a long, narrow, soft tube — or "scope," as it is also known — is placed into a patient's mouth and snaked through to the duodenum (the beginning of the small intestine). The scope includes a light and camera at the end, which allows our physicians at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC to easily look at the lining of the esophagus, belly, and the beginning of the small intestine.
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy may be suggested to determine the cause of gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, heartburn or acid reflux, difficulty swallowing, bleeding, or abnormal x-ray results. We may also perform an EGD for Hattiesburg, MS patients with constant symptoms of heartburn to search for changes that could be an indication of esophageal cancer. Should you need an EGD, please schedule an appointment with a gastrointestinal specialist at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC.
What are the benefits of an EGD?
Undergoing an EGD is beneficial for a variety reasons. It can permit your GI specialist to directly assess your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (which is the first part of the small intestine). Further benefits of an EGD include:
- Helps in detecting a number of GI issues (such as GI infections, Crohn's disease, GERD, celiac disease, and others)
- Allows for polyp removal, tissue biopsies, and additional small procedures
- May help discern the causes of certain symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, pain, and heartburn
- Generally provides a quick, safe, and efficient process
What should I expect the day before my EGD?
You will get pre-op instructions from your gastrointestinal doctor regarding the required preparatory steps for an EGD. A lot of our patients are able to eat as they normally would the day leading up to the esophagogastroduodenoscopy. We may ask you not to eat or drink after midnight except for necessary medications. It is very important that you abide by the instructions given to you by our providers at Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC. We'll also give you extra guidance regarding any medications you take. Generally, your medications will be continued as normal. However, there are certain situations where this may not be the case, particularly with blood thinners (e.g., Coumadin®, Plavix®, warfarin, anti-inflammatories, or aspirin) or if you have diabetes. In these cases, our team will provide different instructions.
What happens on the day of my EGD?
You should plan to arrive at the endoscopy facility in Hattiesburg, MS about 1 – 1.5 hours before your exam. You will need to change into a hospital gown. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be placed in your arm so sedation can be administered. We'll have you connected to equipment that helps our team to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and much more during and after your exam.
After settling in to one of our exam rooms, you will be asked to lie on your left side on our exam table. Sedation will begin. After you're sedated, the physician will gently insert the endoscope into your mouth. The scope will be carefully snaked through the esophagus, stomach, and the first portion of the small intestine (the duodenum). A small amount of air will be injected through the scope into the gastrointestinal tract to aid the team in seeing through the camera. Any leftover fluid in the upper GI tract will be removed through the endoscope. Based on the results of your exam, a number of extra steps could be taken, such as biopsies, the removal of polyps, and treatment for bleeding. Typically, the exam takes approximately 10 – 20 minutes. After your exam, you will be taken to one of our private recovery rooms so we can monitor you as the sedation begins to wear off.
When can I expect my exam results?
Following the exam, your doctor will go over the results of the procedure with you. The majority of patients won't remember this conversation following their exam because of the effects of the IV sedation. We encourage you to bring someone with you to this discussion. You will also go home with a typed-up review of what we discussed. Biopsy results are usually ready within one week of the procedure.
Are there any risks with an EGD?
Typically, an EGD is a safe and reliable procedure. Overall, difficulties occur in about 1 percent of procedures. Most issues are not extreme, but some may require hospitalization and/or surgery. Before beginning the EGD, a consent form will be shared with you by the nursing staff. Should you have any questions or concerns, you can discuss these with your GI specialist ahead of your treatment.
Such as any other test, an EGD is not foolproof. There is a small, established opportunity that irregularities, such as cancers, might be unnoticed at the time of the exam. It is crucial to continue to follow up with our team and keep them abreast of any new or incessant problems.
Are there any alternatives to an EGD?
To a certain extent, your options will depend on the basis for ordering the EGD to begin with. Generally, an EGD is the most efficient treatment to find and treat abnormal results in your upper GI tract. However, an upper GI/barium swallow, a special type of x-ray, can assess your upper GI tract too. This is, however, just a diagnostic analysis. Treating any findings may necessitate an EGD or surgery.
Diagnostic EGD to treat symptoms
If you or someone you love has been complaining of troublesome problems like heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or intestinal aches, a diagnostic EGD may be the first step on the road to relief. You can find an expert gastroenterologist who is capable of performing an esophagogastroduodenoscopy in Hattiesburg, MS at our practice. Get in touch with Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC as soon as possible to request a consultation.
EGD FAQs
Are an EGD and an upper endoscopy the same thing?
An EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) may be referred to by various names. In some cases, it might be called an "upper endoscopy" or a "gastroscopy." Even though these names may vary, they are typically the same thing as an EGD.
What are considered "normal" results for an EGD?
Results that are "normal" for an EGD generally indicate that the provider did not identify abnormal areas in the upper portion of the gastrointestinal tract. However, normal results may be indicated by a smooth texture and normal color of the tissue in your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. In addition, there should be no signs of inflammation, growths, or bleeding within these structures. It is essential to understand that a "normal" test result does not always rule out the presence of all medical conditions. Some health concerns might not be apparent with an EGD or could be located in another part of the digestive tract, beyond the field of the endoscope device used to perform the examination.
Why would an EGD be requested?
Your Hattiesburg GI Associates, PLLC provider might prescribe an EGD test if you have Crohn's disease or liver cirrhosis to help monitor these concerns. In addition, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy might be advised should you experience:
- Tarry or black stool
- Vomiting of blood
- Heartburn
- Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
- Issues with swallowing
- Unintentional loss of weight
- Frequent nausea
What do I need to bring to my EGD procedure?
Upon arriving at the facility for your EGD, you might be asked to fill out some paperwork. Therefore, you should bring your identification and insurance card with you to your visit. It also can be beneficial to bring a written list of all prescription and nonprescription medications you might take, their dosages, and the conditions for which you take them. We advise that you leave valuables like jewelry at home.
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The staff were very friendly and made me feel comfortable. I just recently had a EGD and a colonoscopy and could not have been treated better. The staff were practicing great hygiene skills in the time of this pandemic and it didn't stop them from giving great personal care. I have a great GI doctor and the nurse practitioner took time to explain my results to me and answered all of my questions on my follow up visit. I would recommend this office to everyone.
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