An Esophagogastroduodenoscopy Can Help to Diagnose Your Symptoms
At GI Specialists of Georgia, we have a team of medical professionals dedicated to providing you with specialized care for digestive issues. Our Atlanta-area physicians are experts in gastroenterology, colonoscopy, and endoscopy with sub-specialties in hepatology and esophageal motility studies. We have nine locations and 22 doctors to ensure you get the best care throughout the state of Georgia. One of the primary services we provide is the esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), which is an endoscopic procedure used to diagnose problems with the upper GI tract. We encourage you to give us a call if you have any questions about this procedure or would like to schedule a consultation.
What Is an EGD?
An EGD, also known as an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, is a diagnostic procedure that allows a doctor to clearly view the inside of the upper GI tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first portion of the small intestine). The procedure uses an endoscope, which is a small, flexible tube with a camera on the end. The endoscope is placed in the mouth and advanced all the way to the duodenum, allowing a doctor to closely examine the entire upper GI tract as the endoscope moves through the system. Patients are sedated during the procedure, so the doctor can view all parts of the upper GI tract without causing discomfort.
When Do You Need an EGD?
Gastrointestinal symptoms can often be a sign of a larger, more serious issue, which is why it’s important to have your symptoms evaluated by a medical professional. Our doctors are experts in the field of gastroenterology and have many years of experience screening for various GI conditions. Our goal is to identify the cause of your symptoms as soon as possible to get you the proper treatment. However, early detection depends on the patient recognizing their symptoms and scheduling an appointment at one of our nine Georgia locations. We’ve put together a list of symptoms that signal you need an EGD. These symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Frequent heartburn
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Swallowing difficulties
- Upper gastrointestinal bleeding
- Chest pain (with no evidence of heart disease)
- Bloody stool
The EGD Procedure
An EGD procedure is relatively simple with very few risks. Though the procedure itself can be completed in 5 to 10 minutes, you will have to be at the endoscopy denter for a couple hours to allow time for sedation. Once you are comfortably sedated, a supportive mouthpiece will be placed to keep your mouth open during the endoscopy. Your doctor will then insert the endoscope and take a look at the interior of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Your vitals will be closely monitored the entire time and the scope will not interfere with your breathing. During the procedure, we may also take a tissue sample, known as a biopsy, and use it for testing later. After the procedure, you’ll have time to recover until you are awake enough to go home. You will need to bring someone with you to drive you after the procedure.
What to Do Following the Procedure
After the procedure, your doctor will go over their immediate findings with you. The sedation medication may make it difficult to remember this conversation, so we’ll send you home with a written report. You should not drive or return to work after the procedure and should avoid strenuous activities. If a biopsy is taken, you will receive your results within 7 to 10 business days, at which time we can go over any additional treatments you may need. If you experience any issues following your EGD or do not feel well, please reach out to your doctor as soon as possible.
An EGD Can Diagnose Many Upper GI Conditions
There are many health conditions that can cause symptoms in the upper GI tract, leading to daily discomfort for patients. The purpose of an EGD is to get a better look at the interior of your system in order to diagnose your condition and find a way to treat it. Many patients are able to find relief from their symptoms once we identify the cause and develop an effective treatment plan. The EGD is used to diagnose a number of serious health conditions, making them an important tool for doctors and GI specialists like our team at GI Specialists of Georgia. Early diagnosis can help prevent worsening of the condition and get you relief from your symptoms sooner. An EGD can be used to diagnose:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Ulcers
- Inflammation or swelling
- Precancerous abnormalities
- Celiac disease
- Strictures of narrowing of the esophagus
- Blockages in the upper GI tract
- Tumors
Call Us for More Info on EGD Procedures
If you have questions about the EGD procedure or would like to schedule an appointment, please feel free to reach out to one of our nine locations throughout Georgia. You can also visit our EGD FAQ page to find answers to the most common questions we receive about the procedure.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Atlanta-Area Gastroenterologists
Whether you’re here for an endoscopic ultrasound or a colonoscopy, we will treat you with the utmost respect and dignity. Our gastroenterologists in the Douglasville and Northwest Atlanta area believe in the importance of educating our patients on a variety of health topics, ranging from anemia to gastrointestinal infections, cirrhosis of the liver, and pancreatitis. To schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified gastroenterologists, please contact GI Specialists of Georgia today.
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