A test that involves visually examining the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum with a small camera (flexible fiberoptic endoscope) which is inserted down the throat.

You will be given a sedative and an analgesic. A local anesthetic will be sprayed into your mouth to suppress the need to cough or gag when the endoscope is inserted. A mouth guard will be inserted to protect your teeth and the endoscope. Dentures must be removed.

An IV may be inserted to administer medications during the procedure.

You are instructed to lie on your left side.

After the gag reflex has been suppressed by the anesthetic, the endoscope will be advanced through the esophagus to the stomach and duodenum. Air will be introduced through the endoscope to enhance viewing. The lining of these organs is examined and biopsies can be obtained through the endoscope. Biopsies are tissue samples that are reviewed under the microscope.

When the area has been viewed and any biopsies taken, the endoscope will be removed and you will be asked to cough to expel the extra air. Food and liquids are restricted until your cough reflex returns.

The test lasts about 30 to 60 minutes.

• infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

The local anesthetic makes swallowing difficult. This wears off shortly after the procedure. The endoscope may stimulate some gagging in the back of the throat. There may be a sensation of gas and the movement of the scope can be felt in the abdomen. Biopsies cannot be felt.

This test is helpful in determining:

• the cause of upper GI (gastrointestinal) bleeding
• the cause of swallowing difficulties
• the presence of ulcerations or inflammation
• the cause of abdominal pain
• the condition of the stomach and duodenum after an operation
• the presence of tumors or other abnormalities of the upper GI tract
• inflammation, narrowing, or tumors of the esophagus

The esophagus, stomach, and duodenum should be smooth and normal color. There should be no bleeding, growths, ulcers or inflammation.

An EGD may indicate:

• ulcers (acute or chronic)
• tumors
• inflammation of the stomach and duodenum
• diverticula
• Mallory-Weiss syndrome (tear)
• esophageal rings
• esophagitis
• strictures
• gastric masses
• obstruction
• gastric erosion

There is a small chance of perforation of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus; or bleeding at the biopsy site. A patient could have an adverse reaction to the anesthetic, medication, or tranquilizer. This could cause:

• respiratory depression (difficulty breathing)
• apnea
• hypotension
• excessive diaphoresis
• bradycardia
• laryngospasm (spasm of the larynx)

The overall risk is less than 1 out of 1,000 people.

If any of these conditions arise after the test, contact the health care provider:

• difficulty swallowing
• pain
• fever
• black stools
• blood in vomit