Have you noticed upper abdominal pain, heartburn, or trouble swallowing? If so, you may benefit from an esophagogastroduodenoscopy. At Idaho Digestive Health Institute, Dr. Woolf performs this diagnostic examination to help clients improve their health and restore their quality of life. Here's what you need to know.

What Is an EGD?

An esophagogastroduodenoscopy examines the upper region of your small intestine (duodenum), esophagus, and stomach. This diagnostic test entails examining the upper parts of your digestive tract to identify a disease or another medical condition causing symptoms. Examples of medical conditions that can be diagnosed with this test include:

  • Hiatal hernia
  • Inflammatory disorders, such as duodenitis and esophagitis
  • Celiac disease
  • A tear in your esophageal lining
What Is an Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)?

Why Might You Need An EGD?

As noted above, you may need an EGD if you have difficulty swallowing, heartburn, or upper abdominal pain. Other signs you may need an EGD can include:

  • Regurgitation
  • Pain swallowing
  • Unintended rapid weight loss
  • Bloody bowel movements
  • Lack of appetite
  • Vomiting blood
  • Anemia symptoms

How Do You Prepare For An EGD?

To prepare for an EGD, you should fast for six to 12 hours before to your exam. Dr. Woolf will provide you with other preparation instructions during your initial consultation, including how long you need to avoid such blood-thinning drugs as ibuprofen.

What Happens During The EGD Procedure?

Before your procedure begins, you will be given an analgesic and sedative to keep you calm and comfortable. Additionally, a local anesthetic may be sprayed into your mouth depending on your gag reflex. Once you are prepared for your procedure, you will lie on your left side with an IV needle in your arm to administer medication.

A tiny camera attached to the end of a cannula will be inserted into your esophagus. This camera will reach all the way to your duodenum. Then, the air is passed through the cannula to improve visibility. Depending on the results of the test, a biopsy may be taken.

What Should I Expect for the Recovery After Push Enteroscopy?

What Does Recovery Look Like After A EGD?

Side effects following this procedure vary but should not last longer than 24 hours. Among the symptoms you may experience are:

  • Slight bloating
  • Mild sore throat
  • Mild-to-moderate cramping

As soon as you can swallow easily, you are free to eat and drink. That said, it is advisable to start with eating a light snack.

Why Should You See Dr. Woolf for This Procedure?

You should go to Idaho Digestive Health Institute and see Dr. Woolf for this procedure because he is dedicated to helping each of his clients restore their health and quality of life. He treats each patient as he wants to be treated and will take the time to understand all of your concerns and learn about your health history. He also has the education, training, and experience to quickly and accurately identify the best diagnostic test for your needs.

Schedule Your Initial Consultation Today with Idaho Digestive Health Institute

If you have recently begun experiencing such digestive tract symptoms as difficulty swallowing, unintended weight loss, or upper abdominal pain, you may need an EGD. To determine if you can benefit from this test, please contact us today at Idaho Digestive Health Institute to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Woolf. We look forward to seeing you soon.

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