EGDs are used by specialists known asgastroenterologiststo diagnose and/or treat disorders of theupper gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
It also explains how to prepare for an EGD and what to expect on the day of the procedure.
Both children and adults can undergo this procedure.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
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.
Surgical tools can be used to remove and repair defects and disease.
Nor does it provide reliable information about the lungs, liver, spleen, or other nearby organs.
An EGD can be used to detect inflammation, swelling, and structural changes like Barrett’s esophagus.
This makes an upper endoscopy a useful adjunct when used with imaging tests.
Sometimes, there is a pre-operative area where you could change into a gown before your procedure.
But often, patients do this in the procedure suite.
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.
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.
You will then be positioned so that you lie on your left side.
Is an Upper Endoscopy Painful?
Once sedated, the EGD will not cause any pain.
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.
This may take several days or weeks.
Be sure you understand the next step before you leave.
Recovery from the endoscopy should take no more than a few days.
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.
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.
Keep in mind that each GI condition is managed with a personalized diet.
There is no one-size-fits-all strategy.
In general, you should not need another EGD.
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.
This can heal on its own if the abrasion is small.
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.
Sedation is required, and you may have a mild sore throat and some bloating afterward.
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