What is esophagogastroduodenscopy (EGD)?
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)is a procedure used to
evaluate the swallowing tube (esophogus), stomach, and small
intestines with an endoscope. This procedure may be done at
the patient's bedside, in the gastrointestinal(GI)
laboratory, or in the operating room. The patient receives
sedation and pain medication prior to the procedure and
rarely recalls the procedure itself. The doctor inserts a
type of endoscope called a gastroscope through the mouth,
into the swallowing tube (esophagus), stomach, and a portion
of the small intestines. With this procedure, the doctor is
able to detect whether or not there is a blockage, tumor,
ulcer, or inflammation of these structures. Frequently,
biopsies (i.e., obtaining small pieces of tissue) are
required to diagnose certain conditions. The most common
reason to perform this type of endoscopy in the ICU is for
the evaluation of intestinal bleeding. If bleeding is
detected during the endoscopy, the doctor may be able to
stop the bleeding by using medications or heating a blood
vessel to cause clotting (cautery).
Are there any complictations
associated with esophagogastroduodenscopy (EGD)?
Complications associated with EGD are rare. Discuss these
with your doctor prior to the procedure.
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Esophagogastroduodenscopy (EGD)
