Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in Kansas City, MO
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Find a ProviderWhat is esophagogastroduodenoscopy?
An EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) is an endoscopic procedure where a lengthy, thin, malleable tube, or “scope,” is put into the mouth and snaked to the duodenum (the beginning of the small intestine). The scope includes a light and camera attached to the end, which allows our GI providers at Digestive Health Specialists to easily review the lining of the esophagus, belly, and the first portion of the small intestine.
An EGD may be suggested as a way to diagnose gastrointestinal problems, including abdominal pain, heartburn or acid reflux, difficulty swallowing, bleeding, or irregular x-ray results. An EGD may also be performed for Kansas City, MO patients with constant symptoms of heartburn to search for changes that are associated with esophageal cancer. If you need an EGD, schedule an appointment with a gastrointestinal specialist at Digestive Health Specialists.
What Are the Benefits of an EGD?
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy test can be beneficial for several reasons. The test can allow your GI specialist to directly see the inner lining of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (which is the first part of the small intestine). Further benefits of an esophagogastroduodenoscopy include:
- Helps in diagnosing many digestive issues, such as gastrointestinal infections, celiac disease, GERD, Crohn's disease, and others
- Can help detect the causes of GI symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, pain, and heartburn
- Generally provides a safe, quick, and efficient process
- Allows for polyp removal, tissue biopsies, and additional small procedures
What should I expect the day prior to my EGD?
You will get instructions from your doctor regarding the needed preparation for an EGD. Many of our patients are able to eat their regular meals the day before the exam. You may be instructed not to take anything by mouth after 12 a.m. except for medications. It is vital to follow the instructions provided by your specialist at Digestive Health Specialists. There will also be extra guidance regarding any medications you take. Typically, you don’t need to make any changes to your medication regimen. This may not be true of all medications, especially with blood thinners (i.e., Coumadin®, warfarin, Plavix®, aspirin, anti-inflammatories) or for diabetics. In these cases, our team will give you special instructions.
What should I expect on the day of my EGD?
We will ask you to get to the endoscopy center in Kansas City, MO about an hour or an hour and a half before your procedure. You will have to replace your clothes with a hospital gown. An IV will be started in your arm so sedation can be administered. You will be connected to equipment that allows your GI specialist to keep track of your heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and much more throughout your exam.
Once in the exam room, we’ll have you relax on your left side on the stretcher. IV sedation will be started. Once an adequate level of sedation is achieved, we’ll gently insert the endoscope into your mouth. The scope will be gently advanced through the esophagus, stomach, and the first portion of the small intestine, the duodenum. We will inject a small amount of air through the scope into the gastrointestinal tract will help us see better. Any remaining fluid in your upper GI tract will be cleared away through the endoscope. Depending on the results of the exam, a variety of things can be implemented, such as biopsies, the removal of polyps, and control of bleeding. The exam typically takes approximately 10 – 20 minutes. Following the 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?
After the exam, your GI provider will go over the results of the examination with you. Many patients can’t remember what they were told following their exam because they have a foggy brain due to intravenous sedation. We recommend you bring a friend or family member with you with whom the results can also be discussed. We will also send you home with a typed review of what we discussed. In a number of situations, we will have biopsy results in about a week.
Does an EGD carry any risks?
Most often, an EGD is a very safe procedure. Generally, complications arise in fewer than 1% of patients. Most issues are not life-threatening; if a complication arises, it could require hospitalization and surgery. Before your exam, a consent form will be shared with you by the nursing staff. Should any questions or concerns arise, these can be discussed with your physician before your procedure.
Such as any other test, the esophagogastroduodenoscopy is not foolproof. You can expect that there is a slight, established possibility that irregularities, like cancers, can be unnoticed during the esophagogastroduodenoscopy. It is important to maintain visits with our GI providers and let them know any new or constant issues.
Are there alternate options to an EGD?
To an extent, the alternatives to the EGD will hinge on the motive for needing an EGD to begin with. In most cases, an EGD is the most efficient way to test for and treat abnormal results in your upper GI tract. Although, the x-ray called an upper GI/barium swallow can check the upper GI tract too. This is only a diagnosis. The treatment of any abnormalities might require an EGD or other surgery.
Treat symptoms with an EGD
If you or someone you know has been complaining of troublesome problems, like frequent heartburn, complications swallowing, or belly aches, then you might benefit from a diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy. You can find an expert gastroenterologist who offers an esophagogastroduodenoscopy in Kansas City, MO at our facility. Call Digestive Health Specialists today to book your EGD.
EGD FAQs
Are an EGD and upper endoscopy the same procedure?
An EGD may be referred to by several different names. Sometimes, it may be called an "upper endoscopy" or a "gastroscopy." Though these terms may differ, they are usually the same as an esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
What is considered a "normal" result for an EGD?
Results that are "normal" for an EGD procedure typically indicate that your gastrointestinal provider did not identify abnormal areas in the upper gastrointestinal structures. However, normal EGD results may be indicated by a normal color and smooth texture of the tissue in your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. In addition, there should not be any signs of inflammation, bleeding, or growths in these areas. It's imperative to remember that a "normal" test result does not always rule out all health conditions. Some concerns may not be detectable during an esophagogastroduodenoscopy or may be present in another area of the gastrointestinal tract, beyond the field of the endoscope utilized throughout the examination.
Why might my GI provider request an EGD be performed?
Your Digestive Health Specialists provider might recommend an EGD procedure if you have liver cirrhosis or Crohn's disease to help monitor such medical conditions. In addition, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy might be recommended if you are experiencing:
- Black or tarry stool
- Vomiting of blood
- Heartburn
- Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen
- Difficulty swallowing
- Unintentional weight loss
- Persistent nausea
What do I need to bring to my EGD procedure?
Upon arriving for your EGD exam, you might be asked to fill out some patient forms. As such, please bring your identification and insurance card with you to your appointment. It might be a good idea to carry a written list of all nonprescription and prescription medications you take, the dosages, and the conditions for which you take them. We encourage you to leave any valuables, such as jewelry, at home.
Reviews
I’ve been going to Dr Khalid for years. I’ve never appreciated what a great doc he was till this year. He was doing a routine EGD on me when he found a growth in my upper stomach called a GIST. These growths aren’t usually found till they are so big they cause huge problems and can lead to death. God used his knowledge and skill to find and identify the growth. He and his staff quickly got me scheduled for a sonogram and then surgery. So thankful for great docs like Dr Khalid!
I was in so much pain from what I thought was another stomach ulcer. Dr. Khalid got me in for an EGD and confirmed an ulcer and put me immediately on medication. He is a wonderful doctor and takes you serious when you say you’re hurting.
I have always had a good experience at the Endoscopy Center in Liberty. After my EGD last Friday however I felt like I was being rushed out the door. Usually my family member comes back while I wake up and they are given the report with me and we are taken through an exit area. This time I was still wobbly enough that the nurse had to help me stand up to get dressed and I was walked to the waiting room and handed off to my sister. Fortunately there was a written report for me to read although there was not a lot of information about the medication or how long I would be on it.
Dr. Jones is great. He has been my gastroenterologist for years. I have always had a good experience at the Endoscopy Center in Liberty. After my EGD last Friday however I felt like I was being rushed out the door. Usually my family member comes back while I wake up and they are given the report with me and we are taken through an exit area. This time I was still wobbly enough that the nurse had to help me stand up to get dressed and I was walked to the waiting room and handed off to my sister. Fortunately there was a written report for me to read although there was not a lot of information about the medication or how long I would be on it.
I have been a patient at Consultants in Gastoenterology for many years but this was the first time I had seen Dr. Clement. He was kind, had reviewed my chart so he knew my history and was very thorough explaining what he found during my EGD and the course of treatment. I would recommend him highly.
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