What is a Gastroscopy?
A gastroscopy (upper GI endoscopy, esophagastroduodenoscopy, EGD) is a direct examination of the esophagus (food pipe), stomach and duodenum (first part of the small intestine) using an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube about the diameter of the little finger). 

Why Do I Need It?
A gastroscopy (EGD) is usually done to help your doctor evaluate and treat your upper GI symptoms, such as heartburn, reflux, nausea, upper abdominal pain and difficulty swallowing.  It can also detect the cause of bleeding from the upper GI tract.  Upper GI endoscopy is more accurate than x-rays for detecting inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis), stomach (gastritis), ulcers and tumors.  Some conditions can be treated during the procedure by passing small instruments through the endoscope.  For example:  narrowed areas can be stretched, biopsies can be taken, objects stuck in the esophagus removed, and treatment of upper GI bleeding can be given. 

What Are the Risks?
While any medical procedure has risks, the frequency of complications from a gastroscopy is very small.  Infrequent complications include bleeding, perforation and drug reactions. 

Will it Hurt?
While it is normal to have some degree of apprehension prior to your test, you should experience little or no discomfort.  You will be given intravenous sedation before the procedure to help you relax and many patients have no recollection of the test afterward.  One or more of the following medications may be used:  Versed, Demerol and Fentanyl.  If you are allergic to any of these medications, please notify the office before your procedure. 

What Preparation is Needed?
Your stomach should be completely empty for the test, so DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your exam.  You may take any essential medicines, such as heart, asthma, blood pressure and anti-seizure medications.  You will not be able to drive for the rest of the day due to the sedation so you will need to arrange for a designated driver to come with you on the day of your test.  Plan on arriving at the hospital 30 to 45 minutes before the time your test is scheduled.

What Can I Expect During the Procedure?
Before the procedure starts, your throat will be sprayed with a numbing medication to help control gagging and you will be given sedation through an IV.  Your blood pressure, pulse, respirations and oxygen level will be monitored continuously during the test.  While you are lying on your left side, the endoscope is passed through the mouth, then into your esophagus, stomach and duodenum.  You will not experience any difficulty breathing during the test since the endoscope is inserted into the esophagus (food pipe), a separate tube from your wind pipe.  The procedure usually takes between 5 to 15 minutes to perform.

What Happens After the Procedure?
After your procedure is completed you will be taken to a recovery area for approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, where you will be monitored and observed by a Registered Nurse.  You can expect to feel drowsy for several hours afterward.  You will not be able to eat or drink anything for 1 hour after your exam and you will not be able to drive or operate any machinery for the rest of the day.  Your throat may feel slightly sore and you may feel bloated for a while.  You will be given written discharge instructions and appropriate learning material before you go home.  You should have someone stay with you for the rest of the day after you are discharged home. 

When Will I Find Out the Results of My Test?
Dr. Imam will talk to you and your designated driver you before you leave and usually preliminary results can be given to you at that time.  If a biopsy was taken during the procedure it will be sent to the laboratory for examination under a microscope.  It will take 3 to 4 days before the report is received from the laboratory.