Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsProcedureDiagnostic UsesTherapeutic UsesTest PreparationWhat to ExpectRecoveryRisks
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Procedure
Diagnostic Uses
Therapeutic Uses
Test Preparation
What to Expect
Recovery
Risks
During the procedure, the fiber-optic scope is inserted through the mouth and throat while the patient is under mildsedation. Specialized tools can be inserted through the scope’s neck to stop bleeding, remove diseased tissues, or obtain tissue samples forbiopsy.
This article describes how an EGD works, why one may be ordered, and the potential risks and limitations of the procedure. It also explains how to prepare for an EGD and what to expect on the day of the procedure.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
How the Test Is Done
An upper endoscopy may be part of your medical care if your healthcare provider needs access to your upper GI tract’s lumen, or opening. Both children and adults can undergo this procedure.
An EGD uses an endoscope that is advanced from the mouth down to the GI tract. The endoscope is thin and flexible, and it has a camera and microsurgical tools attached. The camera is used to view the inner lining of the lumen.
Your healthcare provider might also take pictures or record a video of the region to help form a diagnosis and plan future treatments.If you are having an EGD for treatment of a gastrointestinal condition, electrosurgical instruments attached to the endoscope will be used as needed. Surgical tools can be used to remove and repair defects and disease.
Your EGD may include one or more of the following procedures:
Limitation
Often, your gastroenterologist will want to investigate one or several different symptoms because they suspect a specific condition.
An EGD can be used to detect inflammation, swelling, and structural changes like Barrett’s esophagus. It is also used to help diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).Heartburnand abdominal pain may point more topeptic ulcer disease(PUD) rather than indigestion which, along with an acidic taste in your mouth, is common to this disease.
As a diagnostic tool, EGD is also useful when it’s the easiest and safest way toobtain a biopsy. During the procedure, your healthcare provider may collect one or more tissue samples so they can be examined under a microscope.
A tissue biopsy can be used to check for the presence of aHelicobacter pyloriinfection as an underlying cause of the PUD. It can also allow for a diagnosis ofesophageal cancerin the presence ofunexplained weight loss, or identifyesophageal varices(dilated blood vessels) when someone is coughing up blood (hemoptysis).
Your healthcare provider also may recommend an EGD if you have other symptoms including:
Everything You Need to Know About H. Pylori Infection
You may also need to have an EGD if you’ve already had an abdominal X-ray, ultrasound, orcomputed tomography (CT scan)suggesting an abnormality of your upper GI tract’s lumen.
EGD is also considered when a medical history and physical examination suggest the possibility of a lesion in the lumen that could not be well-visualized with a less invasive test, like an imaging test. In addition, if you’ve ingested a foreign body or a caustic substance, an EGD may be appropriate.
Other conditions that may be both diagnosed and treated with an EGD include:
How to Prepare for an EGD
Before your EGD, your healthcare provider may order imaging tests to help plan your procedure.
Common questions include:
Everything You Need to Know About Your Esophagus
Upper Endoscopy CostThe EGD procedure cost will vary widely depending on where you live, your insurance, and the type of facility where your procedure is done. Keep in mind that there may be separate charges for a gastroenterologist’s work, an anesthesiologist, and the facility used. As an example, Medicare coverage based on a national average of $557 will require an out-of-pocket payment of $110 when the EGD is done at a surgical center.
Upper Endoscopy Cost
The EGD procedure cost will vary widely depending on where you live, your insurance, and the type of facility where your procedure is done. Keep in mind that there may be separate charges for a gastroenterologist’s work, an anesthesiologist, and the facility used. As an example, Medicare coverage based on a national average of $557 will require an out-of-pocket payment of $110 when the EGD is done at a surgical center.
When you check in for your EGD, you will be asked to fill out some forms, including a consent form, authorization for payment, and a patient privacy form.
Sometimes, there is a pre-operative area where you can change into a gown before your procedure. But often, patients do this in the procedure suite. Dentures or partial plates should be removed if you have them so the numbing medicine can reach all areas of the mouth and so that the endoscope doesn’t damage them.
Your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen level will be monitored throughout the procedure. You will have apulse oximeterplaced on your finger that measures oxygen saturation and pulse. A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm.
Mild to moderate sedationdelivered intravenously is used during an EGD procedure in most cases. This prevents complications such as gagging or choking while the endoscope is in the esophagus, as well as anxiety during the procedure.
Once the IV medication is injected, it will make you sleepy and relaxed. Depending on the drug, it may put you to sleep or leave you mildly sedated. This is why practitioners ask that someone else drive you home afterward.
Your throat will then be sprayed with numbing medicine, which will be in effect for about 30 to 45 minutes.A protective device is put in your mouth to protect your teeth from the endoscope. You will then be positioned so that you lie on your left side.
When you are adequately relaxed, you may be asked to swallow once or twice during the initial period of insertion of the endoscope. The tube will not interfere with your ability to breathe, and it is only mildly uncomfortable following the initial insertion.
Is an Upper Endoscopy Painful?No. When you go for your procedure, a healthcare provider will place an IV line in your hand or arm; you should feel an initial pinch, but no pain thereafter. Once sedated, the EGD will not cause any pain. It’s possible that you may have mild throat irritation afterward, but check with your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
Is an Upper Endoscopy Painful?
No. When you go for your procedure, a healthcare provider will place an IV line in your hand or arm; you should feel an initial pinch, but no pain thereafter. Once sedated, the EGD will not cause any pain. It’s possible that you may have mild throat irritation afterward, but check with your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
You may experience a feeling of fullness in your abdomen as the healthcare provider injects a moderate amount of air to expand your stomach, allowing for better visualization.
Recovery From an EGD
After the endoscope is removed, your medical team will let you know that your procedure is complete. You may not recall the procedure because of the effect of the sedation.
You will need to recover and wait until you are awake and alert before being discharged. In the meantime, you might have vital signs like your blood pressure and pulse monitored. Be sure to let your medical team know if you feel discomfort or pain.
Your healthcare provider will either discuss the results of your upper endoscopy with you immediately after the procedure or schedule another appointment to do so and devise a plan, especially if you had a biopsy. This may take several days or weeks. Be sure you understand the next step before you leave.
What Is Proctoscopy?
Call your healthcare provider if:
Call for immediate medical attention if you experience unusual or severe abdominal pain or bleeding following the procedure. Dark-colored stools or coughing, spitting, or vomiting blood are signs to report to your provider. Lightheadedness or dizziness can signal severe blood loss and require urgent medical attention.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From an EGD?Recovery time after your upper endoscopy typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes. You may feel sedation effects for several hours, and you may have a slightly sore throat for about a day.Your healthcare provider will give you recovery instructions on eating, drinking, and activities. They’ll usually call the next day to follow up, too. Be sure to ask any questions, and contact them immediately about any complications.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From an EGD?
Recovery time after your upper endoscopy typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes. You may feel sedation effects for several hours, and you may have a slightly sore throat for about a day.Your healthcare provider will give you recovery instructions on eating, drinking, and activities. They’ll usually call the next day to follow up, too. Be sure to ask any questions, and contact them immediately about any complications.
Recovery time after your upper endoscopy typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes. You may feel sedation effects for several hours, and you may have a slightly sore throat for about a day.
Your healthcare provider will give you recovery instructions on eating, drinking, and activities. They’ll usually call the next day to follow up, too. Be sure to ask any questions, and contact them immediately about any complications.
Depending on your condition, you might have to make dietary changes. For example, your healthcare provider or a dietitian may recommend avoiding acidic foods that exacerbate an ulcer. Or you might need to limit meals to small portions if the EGD found an upper GI constriction.
Your healthcare provider will give you specific directions based on your procedure.In most cases, you can return to eating soft foods such as eggs or soup and drinking water and clear liquids within one hour of the endoscopy. If you have throat pain or residualeffects of local anesthesia, you may need to wait until the pain or numbness passes before you return to normal eating.
Keep in mind that each GI condition is managed with a personalized diet. There is no one-size-fits-all strategy.
IBD-AID Diet: Best and Worst Foods, Phases, and More
In general, you should not need another EGD. But if your symptoms unexpectedly worsen or you develop new symptoms, your healthcare provider may order a repeat procedure to find out what’s going on.
Your healthcare provider might recommend that you postpone having an upper endoscopy if you have an active pulmonary disease such asasthma, severe exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), or severe heart disease that could interfere withanesthesia.
Likewise, an infection in the nose, throat, or pulmonary system, especially if the procedure is being done for diagnostic purposes, would be enough to postpone the procedure.
Generally, complications from an EGD are mild and become apparent during the procedure or within a few days. Serious complications are possible, but they are uncommon.
An abrasion or a tear of the inner lining of your esophagus, stomach, or small intestine can cause bleeding. This can heal on its own if the abrasion is small. If it’s larger, it can cause blood loss and might need to be repaired during your EGD procedure or later on.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy ComplicationsComplications are more likely if you already have a major upper GI disorder prior to the procedure, such as ableeding ulceror a large tumor. Additionally, a therapeutic EGD causes more tissue disruption than a diagnostic EGD and is more likely to cause complications.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy Complications
Complications are more likely if you already have a major upper GI disorder prior to the procedure, such as ableeding ulceror a large tumor. Additionally, a therapeutic EGD causes more tissue disruption than a diagnostic EGD and is more likely to cause complications.
The intervention can also cause a puncture in your upper GI tract, which could lead to serious bleeding or a life-threatening gastric fluid leak that would require urgent repair. Cardiac or respiratory effects of the anesthesia are also possible, especially for people who have severe underlying heart or lung disease.
Summary
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a diagnostic test that visualizes the esophagus, stomach, and upper portion of the small intestine. It can function as an intervention, a diagnostic tool, or both.
A gastroenterologist performing an EGD relies on a miniature camera with tiny surgical tools attached to it. This allows them to examine and identify GI disorders, remove tissue samples for lab tests, or treat certain GI conditions.
Sedation is required, and you may have a mild sore throat and some bloating afterward.
If you have a short-term or chronic upper GI condition that requires an EGD, ask your healthcare provider and/or your medical team to explain the results.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Aydin M, Niggeschmidt J, Ballauff A, Wirth S, Hensel KO.Common indications and the diagnostic yield of esophagogastroduodenoscopy in children with gastrointestinal distress.Klin Padiatr. 2019;231(1):21-27. doi:10.1055/a-0628-7001.Lui TK, Tsui VW, Leung WK.Accuracy of artificial intelligence-assisted detection of upper GI lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jun 17].Gastrointest Endosc. 2020;S0016-5107(20)34459-X. doi:10.1016/j.gie.2020.06.034.American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Understanding upper endoscopy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Upper GI Endoscopy.Muthusamy VR, Lightdale JR, Acosta RD, et al.The role of endoscopy in the management of GERD.Gastrointest Endosc. 2015;81(6):1305-10. doi:10.1016/j.gie.2015.02.021.Stier C, Balonov I, Stier R, Chiappetta S, Fuss CT, Dayyeh BA.Endoscopic management of clinically severe obesity: Primary and secondary therapeutic procedures [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jun 3].Curr Obes Rep. 2020;10.1007/s13679-020-00385-y. doi:10.1007/s13679-020-00385-yJohns Hopkins Medicine.Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).American Gastroenterological Association.Upper GI endoscopy.Watanabe J, Ikegami Y, Tsuda A, et al.Lidocaine spray versus viscous lidocaine solution for pharyngeal local anesthesia in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: systematic review and meta-analysis [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jun 22].Dig Endosc. 2020;10.1111/den.13775. doi:10.1111/den.13775.Medicare.Procedure Price Lookup.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Aydin M, Niggeschmidt J, Ballauff A, Wirth S, Hensel KO.Common indications and the diagnostic yield of esophagogastroduodenoscopy in children with gastrointestinal distress.Klin Padiatr. 2019;231(1):21-27. doi:10.1055/a-0628-7001.Lui TK, Tsui VW, Leung WK.Accuracy of artificial intelligence-assisted detection of upper GI lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jun 17].Gastrointest Endosc. 2020;S0016-5107(20)34459-X. doi:10.1016/j.gie.2020.06.034.American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Understanding upper endoscopy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Upper GI Endoscopy.Muthusamy VR, Lightdale JR, Acosta RD, et al.The role of endoscopy in the management of GERD.Gastrointest Endosc. 2015;81(6):1305-10. doi:10.1016/j.gie.2015.02.021.Stier C, Balonov I, Stier R, Chiappetta S, Fuss CT, Dayyeh BA.Endoscopic management of clinically severe obesity: Primary and secondary therapeutic procedures [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jun 3].Curr Obes Rep. 2020;10.1007/s13679-020-00385-y. doi:10.1007/s13679-020-00385-yJohns Hopkins Medicine.Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).American Gastroenterological Association.Upper GI endoscopy.Watanabe J, Ikegami Y, Tsuda A, et al.Lidocaine spray versus viscous lidocaine solution for pharyngeal local anesthesia in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: systematic review and meta-analysis [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jun 22].Dig Endosc. 2020;10.1111/den.13775. doi:10.1111/den.13775.Medicare.Procedure Price Lookup.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Aydin M, Niggeschmidt J, Ballauff A, Wirth S, Hensel KO.Common indications and the diagnostic yield of esophagogastroduodenoscopy in children with gastrointestinal distress.Klin Padiatr. 2019;231(1):21-27. doi:10.1055/a-0628-7001.Lui TK, Tsui VW, Leung WK.Accuracy of artificial intelligence-assisted detection of upper GI lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jun 17].Gastrointest Endosc. 2020;S0016-5107(20)34459-X. doi:10.1016/j.gie.2020.06.034.American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Understanding upper endoscopy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Upper GI Endoscopy.Muthusamy VR, Lightdale JR, Acosta RD, et al.The role of endoscopy in the management of GERD.Gastrointest Endosc. 2015;81(6):1305-10. doi:10.1016/j.gie.2015.02.021.Stier C, Balonov I, Stier R, Chiappetta S, Fuss CT, Dayyeh BA.Endoscopic management of clinically severe obesity: Primary and secondary therapeutic procedures [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jun 3].Curr Obes Rep. 2020;10.1007/s13679-020-00385-y. doi:10.1007/s13679-020-00385-yJohns Hopkins Medicine.Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).American Gastroenterological Association.Upper GI endoscopy.Watanabe J, Ikegami Y, Tsuda A, et al.Lidocaine spray versus viscous lidocaine solution for pharyngeal local anesthesia in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: systematic review and meta-analysis [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jun 22].Dig Endosc. 2020;10.1111/den.13775. doi:10.1111/den.13775.Medicare.Procedure Price Lookup.
Aydin M, Niggeschmidt J, Ballauff A, Wirth S, Hensel KO.Common indications and the diagnostic yield of esophagogastroduodenoscopy in children with gastrointestinal distress.Klin Padiatr. 2019;231(1):21-27. doi:10.1055/a-0628-7001.
Lui TK, Tsui VW, Leung WK.Accuracy of artificial intelligence-assisted detection of upper GI lesions: a systematic review and meta-analysis [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jun 17].Gastrointest Endosc. 2020;S0016-5107(20)34459-X. doi:10.1016/j.gie.2020.06.034.
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.Understanding upper endoscopy.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Upper GI Endoscopy.
Muthusamy VR, Lightdale JR, Acosta RD, et al.The role of endoscopy in the management of GERD.Gastrointest Endosc. 2015;81(6):1305-10. doi:10.1016/j.gie.2015.02.021.
Stier C, Balonov I, Stier R, Chiappetta S, Fuss CT, Dayyeh BA.Endoscopic management of clinically severe obesity: Primary and secondary therapeutic procedures [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jun 3].Curr Obes Rep. 2020;10.1007/s13679-020-00385-y. doi:10.1007/s13679-020-00385-y
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).
American Gastroenterological Association.Upper GI endoscopy.
Watanabe J, Ikegami Y, Tsuda A, et al.Lidocaine spray versus viscous lidocaine solution for pharyngeal local anesthesia in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: systematic review and meta-analysis [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jun 22].Dig Endosc. 2020;10.1111/den.13775. doi:10.1111/den.13775.
Medicare.Procedure Price Lookup.
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