What Is EGD and Why Might You Need One?

An EGD is an upper endoscopy procedure and is a useful tool to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions of the upper digestive system. Dr. Kevin Marks at Premier Gastroenterology in Katy, TX, offers comprehensive gastroenterology services, including EGD.

How an EGD Can Help You

Your upper digestive system consists of your esophagus or throat, stomach, and upper intestine. The upper digestive system is complex, and an EGD can provide detailed images of these areas. Your gastroenterologist may order an EGD if you are experiencing:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Abdominal or stomach pain
• Frequent nausea and vomiting
• Gastrointestinal bleeding

An EGD can aid in the diagnosis of:

• Anemia
• Peptic ulcers
• Celiac disease
• Esophageal inflammation
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Esophageal, stomach, or intestinal cancers

The EGD procedure is performed while you are under sedation, so it’s important to bring a driver with you to the procedure. You may also need to avoid drinking or eating for a few hours before the procedure.

While you are sedated, a long flexible tube, known as an endoscope, is placed in your mouth and guided down your esophagus, into your stomach and your upper intestine. The endoscope has a tiny camera attached to one end. This camera provides detailed images as the endoscope is guided down your digestive system.

If your gastroenterologist sees areas of tissue that are abnormal, or growths, they can be removed during the procedure. The tissue sample or growth may be submitted for a biopsy to determine if the area is diseased or cancerous.

The EGD is performed on an outpatient basis with no hospital stay. The procedure takes about 45 minutes, but you should plan on being in the office for 2 to 3 hours to recover from sedation.

Want To Know More About EGD?

To find out more about EGD and when you might need one, call Dr. Kevin Marks at Premier Gastroenterology in Katy, TX. You can reach him in the office by calling (281) 392-0425, so call today.