Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in Little Rock, AR
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Find a ProviderWhat is esophagogastroduodenoscopy?
EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) is a gastrointestinal procedure in which a long, slender, soft tube, or “scope” as it is also known, is situated into an individual’s mouth and snaked to the small intestine. Our scope has a light and camera at the end, which helps our physicians at GastroArkansas to effortlessly look at the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and the start of the small intestine.
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy is often performed to determine the cause of GI issues, like abdominal pain, heartburn or acid reflux, difficulty swallowing, bleeding, or irregular x-ray outcomes. An EGD may also be performed for Little Rock, AR patients who have chronic heartburn symptoms to search for changes that are associated with esophageal cancer. Should you require an EGD, please schedule a visit with a gastrointestinal specialist at GastroArkansas.
What are the benefits of an upper endoscopy?
An EGD test may be beneficial for multiple reasons. The procedure can allow your gastroenterologist to directly visualize the inner lining of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (which is the first part of the small intestine). Other benefits of an esophagogastroduodenoscopy include:
- Enables the removal of polyps, the biopsy of tissues, and other small procedures
- Helps in diagnosing several gastrointestinal concerns (such as GI infections, celiac disease, GERD, Crohn's disease, and more)
- Generally provides a quick, safe, and efficient process
- Can help diagnose the causes of symptoms like heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and pain
What happens the day before my esophagogastroduodenoscopy?
You will be given guidelines from your doctor going over the essential preparatory steps for an EGD. Many of our patients will be allowed to eat as any other day the day leading up to the exam. You may be instructed not to eat or drink after 12 am, except for taking the necessary medications. It is incredibly important that you follow the requirements provided by your doctor at GastroArkansas. We’ll also give you extra direction about your medications. Generally, you can take your medications as you normally would. In certain circumstances, this may not be the case, particularly if you take blood thinners (i.e., aspirin, warfarin, Coumadin®, Plavix®, anti-inflammatories) or if you are diabetic. If this pertains to you, our team will give you specialized instructions.
What should I expect on the day of my EGD?
You will be asked to arrive at our Little Rock, AR office 1 – 1.5 hours before your procedure. You will have to replace your clothes with a hospital gown. An IV will be started in your arm so we can begin the sedation process. You will be connected to equipment that allows our team to review your heart rate, blood pressure, and more throughout your exam.
After settling into your private exam room, we’ll have you lay on your left side on the stretcher. Sedation will be started. Once you are sedated, the endoscope will be inserted into your mouth. The scope will be carefully advanced through the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Injecting a small amount of air through the scope into the gastrointestinal tract will help us see better. Any fluid left over in the upper gastrointestinal tract will be suctioned out through the endoscope. Based on the results of the exam, several things can be implemented, like the removal of polyps, biopsies, and the control of bleeding. The exam typically takes between 10 – 20 minutes. Following the exam, we will take you to one of our comfortable recovery rooms to be monitored as the sedation begins to wear off.
When will I receive my results?
Once the exam is complete, your doctor will review the findings of the examination with you. A number of our patients won’t recall this conversation later on because of the IV sedation. We encourage you to bring a family member with you to this discussion. We will also send you home with a typed report. In most cases, you will be informed of any biopsy results in about a week.
Does an EGD carry any risks?
In general, an EGD is very safe. Generally, problems occur in less than 1% of cases. Typically, these problems are not life or death; however, if an issue arises, it may require hospitalization and surgery. Prior to the exam, a consent form will be reviewed with you by the nursing staff. Should you have any questions or concerns, you can discuss these with your GI specialist prior to your treatment.
Such as any other test, an EGD is not absolute. There is a small, recognized risk that irregularities, such as cancers, may be undiscovered at the time of your esophagogastroduodenoscopy. It is vital to maintain visits with our GI doctors and inform them of any recent or persistent issues.
What are the alternatives to an esophagogastroduodenoscopy?
To a certain extent, the substitutes for the exam will revolve around the cause of requiring an EGD in the first place. In most cases, an EGD is the standard way to evaluate and address abnormal results in your upper GI tract. However, an upper GI/barium swallow, a special type of x-ray, can evaluate the upper GI tract as well. This is, keep in mind, just a diagnostic exam. The treatment of any abnormalities might require an EGD or other surgery.
Take control of your symptoms with an EGD
If you or a family member is complaining of unpleasant symptoms, not limited to consistent heartburn, trouble swallowing, and/or intestinal pain, you may gain insight from a diagnostic EGD exam. You can find a GI doctor who offers an EGD in Little Rock, AR at our office. Call GastroArkansas today to book an appointment.
EGD FAQs
Is an EGD the same procedure as an upper endoscopy?
You may hear an EGD referred to by different names. In some cases, it may be termed a "gastroscopy" or an "upper endoscopy." Though these terms may vary, they are typically the same as an EGD.
What are considered "normal" results for an EGD?
Normal results for an EGD test often indicate that your GI provider did not detect abnormal tissues in the upper gastrointestinal tract. However, normal EGD results might be represented by a smooth texture and normal tissue color in your esophageal, stomach, and duodenal areas. Additionally, there shouldn't be any evidence of growths, inflammation, or bleeding in these areas. It's vital to understand that a "normal" EGD result doesn't always rule out the presence of all medical conditions. Some medical concerns may not be visible during this type of test or could be present in another area of the digestive tract, beyond the field of the endoscope utilized to perform the procedure.
Why would an EGD be recommended?
Your GastroArkansas provider may recommend an esophagogastroduodenoscopy exam if you have liver cirrhosis or Crohn's disease to help keep track of these medical concerns. An EGD test may be recommended should you experience one or more of the following:
- Tarry or black stool
- Vomiting of blood
- Heartburn
- Upper abdominal pain
- Issues with swallowing
- Unexplained loss of weight
- Persistent nausea
What should I bring to my EGD appointment?
Upon arriving at our facility for your EGD test, you may be required to fill out some patient forms. Therefore, it is important to bring your insurance card and identification with you. It also might be a good idea to bring a written list of all medications you might take, the dosages, and the conditions for which you take them. We encourage you to leave any jewelry and other types of valuables at home.
Reviews
Dr. Backstedt is very caring and takes the time listen to your concerns. This was my first visit after he ordered an EGD. I would highly recommend him as a GI doctor. The office staff and nurses are just as friendly!
I have utilized Dr. Meziere for the last 26 years for my gastroenterologist in Little Rock, Arkansas. I trust him tremendously with my life. He is so talented as a physician and explains everything in such a calm manner. I feel so relaxed knowing he is performing either an EGD or colonoscopy on my body. In addition, his team are the best. Getting my IV in since I’m quiet a hard stick but they get it every time. The billing team and entire staff are all so professional to me and my husband, Robert. I feel privileged to have Dr. Tom Meziere as my physician for all these years. I panicked this year when I heard he’s going to retire. I don’t know what I’d do without him as my gastroenterologist. I love him as a personal friend and physician😍.
My husband had an EGD and this is a great place. Dr Stokes is wonderful , he got my husband in quickly because he was suffering so much. All the staff were wonderful. Respectful, kind and professional. His test was great and went home quickly. Could not have asked for a better experience.
I had my first colonoscopy & EGD with Dr. Davis. He took the time to explain my results and had great followup with an easy to use patient portal. Fast forward 5 years to my most recent of the same two procedures but with a different doc, different health system. Since my experience with the newest procedure was poor, I decided to go back to Dr. Davis for a second opinion for my results. O was pleased with his suggestions. Common sense and practical doc who shows compassion. He's a keeper.
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