| Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a procedure that enables examination of the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract including the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine). The procedure involves use of a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) with its own lens and light source. Besides its diagnostic uses for visualizing interior regions, the endoscope can be modified with attachments such as brushes and surgical instruments for removing obstructions or clearing diseased tissue.
While surgical applications for the procedure are increasing, EGD is usually performed to identify the underlying reason for symptoms of persistent upper abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting (dyspepsia), or difficulty swallowing. It is also used to find sources of bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
A wide variety of disorders may cause dyspepsia such as reflux of the stomach contents (gastroesophageal reflux), peptic ulcer disease, inflammation or infection of the stomach (gastritis), slow gastric motility (gastroparesis), and cancer of the upper intestinal tract or biliary system (liver, gallbladder or pancreas). Esophageal narrowing (stricture), inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) and esophageal tumors can create painful or difficult swallowing. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding can arise from deep ulcers in the stomach or small intestine (peptic ulcer disease), ruptured veins in the esophagus (ruptured esophageal varices) or from partial tears in the esophagus (Mallory-Weiss syndrome).
Some factors are known to contribute to these upper intestinal disturbances, including alcohol use, coffee or caffeine ingestion, chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, unsanitary food handling, and emotional stress. Often many of these factors are present in individuals with upper intestinal disturbances. However, disturbances sometimes arise without any obvious underlying cause (idiopathic disease). |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| EGD enables direct examination of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract for evidence of inflammation, ulcers, or tumors of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. EGD is usually performed to evaluate symptoms of swallowing problems, to visualize gastric or duodenal lesions, or to diagnose gastroesophageal reflux. EGD may detect early cancer, and is useful for obtaining tissue samples for laboratory examination (biopsy). EGD may also be used to directly treat abnormalities present in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Various surgical instruments can be passed through the endoscope with little or no discomfort. A balloon device can enlarge narrowed areas (strictures). Small abnormal growths (polyps) or swallowed objects can be removed and upper gastrointestinal bleeding can be controlled. EGD may effectively control bleeding and reduce need for transfusions and surgery in many cases. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Before the procedure, the individual's throat is numbed with a local anesthetic and a mild sedative may be administered. In cases where individuals are severely ill or need restraint, a general anesthetic may be considered. The individual is encouraged to swallow when gentle pressure from the endoscope is felt in the throat. The endoscope then enters the upper GI tract to begin examination. The endoscope is passed through the esophagus, stomach, and the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). Various devices may be passed through the endoscope to take tissue samples, administer solutions, or control bleeding as needed. The endoscope does not interfere with breathing during the procedure. When the viewing is completed and samples taken or medication applied, the tube is removed. No food or drink will be allowed for a short time following the procedure until the cough reflex has returned. The test takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| The procedure generally is effective as a diagnostic tool and method of treatment for many disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Since the procedure is done using a local anesthetic and is not as invasive as general surgery, the outcome is usually good. In most cases, the outcome of the endoscopic examination adds evidence to support a diagnosis; following EGD, prognosis is dependent upon underlying pathology and disease processes. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Complications of the procedure, though rare, include bleeding, reaction to sedatives (e.g., drop in blood pressure, slow or irregular heart rate, or slow breathing), or a tear or hole (perforation) in the esophagus, stomach, or upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Work restrictions or special accommodations are not usually associated with this procedure. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Stone, Christian. "EGD - Esophagogastroduodenoscopy." MedlinePlus. 3 May. 2004. National Library of Medicine. 20 May 2005 <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003888.htm>. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor