Upper GI Endoscopy (EGD)
EGD or UPPER GI ENDOSCOPY
Upper GI endoscopy is a procedure that uses a lighted, flexible endoscope to see inside the upper GI tract. This is usually done under sedation. The upper GI tract includes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum—the first part of the small intestine. Upper GI endoscopy can be used to detect causes of abdominal pain, nausea, bleeding, swallowing difficulties and heartburn.
How to prepare for your Upper GI endoscopy?
The GI tract must be empty in order to see inside using the scope. This usually requires the patient to be fasting at least 6-8 hours prior to the procedure.
Patients should tell their doctor about all health conditions they have—especially heart and lung problems, diabetes, and allergies— and all medications they are taking. Patients may be asked to temporarily stop taking medications that affect blood clotting or interact with sedatives, which are often given during upper GI endoscopy.
Driving is not permitted for 12 to 24 hours after upper GI endoscopy due to sedative use. Patients must have someone to drive them home after procedure. Patients can generally eat and drink immediately after procedure.
Patients who develop any of these rare side effects should contact their doctor immediately:
- Swallowing difficulties
- Throat, chest, and abdominal pain that worsens
- Vomiting
- Bloody or very dark stool
- Fever
We have two convenient locations to serve you
West Houston Professional Building: 12121 Richmond Ave #424, Houston, TX 77082
Sugar Land Office: 1400 Creekway Drive, Suite 201B, Sugar Land, TX 77478