Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in Denver, CO
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Find a ProviderWhat is an esophagogastroduodenoscopy?
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is an endoscopic procedure in which a lengthy, slender, adjustable tube, or “scope,” is inserted into an individual’s mouth and snaked to the beginning of the small intestine, known as the duodenum. The scope has a camera and light at the end, which helps our GI doctors at Colorado Gastroenterology to easily treat the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and the start of the small intestine.
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy is suggested as a way to determine the explanation of GI symptoms, like pain in the abdomen, heartburn/reflux, trouble swallowing, bleeding, or irregular x-rays. An EGD may also be performed on a patient who has constant heartburn symptoms to search for signs of esophageal cancer. Should you need an EGD, schedule a visit with a gastrointestinal physician at Colorado Gastroenterology.
What can I expect the day before my esophagogastroduodenoscopy?
You will get guidelines from your GI specialist at Colorado Gastroenterology explaining the necessary preparation for an EGD. Many of our patients will be able to eat as any other day the day before the esophagogastroduodenoscopy. You may be instructed not to eat or drink after 12am except for medications. It is incredibly important that you abide by the instructions provided by your doctor in Denver, CO. We’ll also give you extra guidance as it pertains to any medications you take. Typically, your medications will be continued as normal. In certain circumstances, this may not be the case, especially 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 special instructions.
What can I expect on the day of my EGD?
You will be asked to get to your EGD in Denver, CO about an hour or an hour and a half prior to your procedure. You will need to change into a medical gown. An intravenous (IV) catheter will be put in your arm or another area so sedation can be administered. We’ll have you connected to equipment that helps your GI doctor at Colorado Gastroenterology to review your heart rate, blood pressure, and more throughout your exam.
Once you’re in your private exam room, we’ll have you lie on your left side on our exam table. IV sedation will begin. Once you are sedated, we’ll gently insert the endoscope into your mouth. The endoscope will be strategically moved through the esophagus, stomach, and the first portion of the small intestine. We will inject a small amount of air through the scope into the GI tract will help us see better. Any leftover fluid in the upper GI tract will be removed through the scope. Based on the results of the exam, a variety of things could be implemented, including biopsies, the removal of polyps, and control of bleeding. The exam typically takes about 10 – 20 minutes. Following your exam, we will take you to the recovery room to be monitored as the sedation begins to wear off.
When will I receive my test results?
Following your exam at our Denver, CO location, our GI specialist will review the outcome of the exam with you. A number of our patients won’t recall this conversation later on because of the IV sedation. It is recommended you bring a friend or family member with you with whom the results can also be shared. We will also send you home with a typed review of what we discussed. In a number of cases, you will be informed of any biopsy results in about a week.
What are the risks of an EGD?
Typically, an EGD is very safe. Generally, complications occur in about 1% of procedures. Many of these problems are not life-threatening; although if a complication occurs, it might result in hospitalization and surgery. Before the EGD, a consent form will be shared with you by the nursing staff. If you have any questions or concerns, these can be discussed with your physician prior to your treatment.
Like any other test, the esophagogastroduodenoscopy is not absolute. There is always a small, known opportunity that abnormalities, including cancers, may be missed during the esophagogastroduodenoscopy. It’s paramount to maintain visits with your GI doctors and let them know about recent or constant symptoms. Contact us at Colorado Gastroenterology for more information on if this procedure is right for you.
Are there other choices to an EGD?
Generally, your alternatives to the exam will depend on the reason for requiring an EGD to begin with. Typically, an EGD is the standard treatment to evaluate and diagnose any suspicious findings in your upper GI tract, although an upper GI/barium swallow, a special type of x-ray, can check your upper GI tract too. However, this is only a diagnosis. Treating these findings could necessitate an EGD or surgery. Contact us at Colorado Gastroenterology in Denver, CO if you're interested in learning more about the alternatives you have to EGD and if they will work for you.
Take control of your symptoms with an EGD
If you or someone you love is experiencing troubling problems, including but not limited to consistent heartburn, complications swallowing, or belly discomfort, then you may gain insight from a diagnostic EGD exam. You can find an expert gastroenterologist who is capable of performing an EGD in Denver, CO at our office. Call Colorado Gastroenterology at your earliest convenience to schedule an appointment.
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