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Gastroenterology (GI)

Home » Gastroenterology (GI) » Procedures » EGD

EGD Test (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy)

How to Prepare | What to Expect On Arrival | What to Expect After | For More Information

EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy) is a procedure that examines the esophagus, stomach and first portion of the duodenum (small intestine) using a long flexible tube with a camera at the end of it.  The scope is inserted into the mouth and advanced to the small intestine. An EGD test is a diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedure used to help in the diagnosis or treatment of stomach/duodenal ulcers, inflammation, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), cancer, or dysphagia (swallowing problems) and other problems in the upper gastrointestinal tract. 

How to Prepare for the EGD Test

  • No food or liquids (this includes water) minimally 6 hours prior to the procedure.
  • You may also have diet and/or medication restrictions the week prior to the exam. Please refer to your physician for detailed instructions. 
  • Plan to take the day off from work for the exam.
  • Plan to have someone you know drive you home. Since the procedure is usually performed with intravenous sedation, you will be instructed to not drive a car or return to work until the next day.
  • Contact the physician and inform him or her of any special needs, medical conditions, latex allergy or current medications you are taking.
  • The GI Lab staff will attempt to contact you the evening before your procedure to answer any questions you may have about the EGD procedure.

What to Expect Once You Arrive for the EGD Test

  • You may be expected to arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled exam time.
  • You may have an intravenous line placed, since the EGD procedure is usually performed with intravenous sedation.
  • You will be asked if there is a responsible person to drive you home after the exam.
  • The procedure usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
  • During the exam, there is often a feeling of pressure in the abdominal area.
  • Your physician may give you medication to help you relax and better tolerate the exam.
  • Patients usually lie on their left side.
  • During the procedure the physician may take biopsies (small tissue samples) or remove polyps (growths on the lining of the stomach).

What to Expect After the EGD Test

  • After the procedure is completed you will recover for about 30 to 45 minutes.
  • You may experience a sore throat after the procedure.
  • Once you have met the discharge criteria, the physician will discuss with you the preliminary findings.
  • After the recovery period patients are able to go home and usually eat right away.
  • Diet and/or medication restrictions may be given to certain patients depending on the findings of the exam.
  • Patients are provided discharge instructions to take home.

For More Information

The EGD procedure is available at all of our GI lab locations. For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our gastroenterologists, please call 888.364.6400.

NorthShore offers interpretive language services for non-English speaking patients. A request for this no-cost service should be made at the time of appointment scheduling.