What is an esophagogastroduodenoscopy?

An oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD) is a procedure in which the doctor can look at your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract using a long, flexible tube with its own light source (a fiberoptic scope or videoscope). The upper GI tract includes the throat, esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestines (duodenum).

When is it used?

This procedure may be done if you have:

• Problems swallowing
• Repeated heartburn
• Abdominal pain
• Chest pain
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Vomiting
• Abnormal findings on gastrointestinal x-rays.

Examples of alternatives to this procedure include

• Barium contrast x-rays
• Choosing not to have treatment, recognizing the risks of your condition.

Ask your doctor about these choices.

How do I prepare for an OGD?

You should not eat 6 to 8 hours before this procedure. Follow any other instructions your doctor may give you. No special preparation is usually needed for local anesthesia.

What happens during the procedure?

A local anesthesia is given to help avoid gagging. You may also be given a sedative. The doctor inserts a long, flexible tube into your mouth and down your food pipe (esophagus). The doctor looks for any abnormalities, irritation, or infection in your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

The doctor continues to check your stomach and small intestine for ulcers or abnormal growths. If any growths, cancers, or ulcers are found, the doctor may take a tissue sample of them for analysis in the laboratory. The doctor may remove some of the abnormal growths. Once the doctor has examined the GI tract the doctor withdraws the tube.

What happens after the procedure?

You are observed for about an hour. You should not drive or do anything else that requires a quick response time for about 4 hours, so someone should drive you home. You may have a mild sore throat after this procedure. You may continue to feel the same discomfort or symptoms that you had before the procedure.

Ask what other steps you should take and when you should come back for a checkup.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

This procedure may not cure the problem, but it may help the doctor make a more accurate diagnosis.

What are the risks associated with this procedure?

• A local anesthesia may not numb the area quite enough and you may feel some minor discomfort. Also, in rare cases, you may have an allergic reaction to the drug used in this type of anesthesia.
• There is some risk of tearing the throat, stomach, or intestine. If this happens more surgery may be necessary.
• There is a risk of infection or bleeding.

You should ask your doctor how these risks apply to you.

When should I call the doctor?

Call the doctor immediately if:

• You have pain that becomes much worse.
• You develop or continue to have nausea or vomiting.
• You develop a fever.

Call the doctor during office hours if:

• You have questions about the procedure or its result.
• You want to make another appointment.