Upper GI Endoscopy (EGD): Why It's Done and What to Expect

An upper GI endoscopy, also called an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to examine the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine (duodenum). It can diagnose problems, take small tissue samples (biopsies), and treat many conditions in the same procedure. We perform upper endoscopy at Valley Digestive Health Center in Arcadia and at USC Arcadia Hospital.

Why an upper endoscopy is done

To find the cause of symptoms

• Persistent heartburn or reflux (GERD)
• Trouble swallowing or food getting stuck
• Upper belly pain or ongoing indigestion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bleeding, black stools, or iron-deficiency anemia
• Unexplained weight loss

To diagnose conditions

• Ulcers and gastritis
• H. pylori infection
• Celiac disease
• Eosinophilic esophagitis
• Barrett's esophagus and cancers of the esophagus and stomach

To screen

• Stomach cancer screening for people at higher risk, including many Asian Americans with a family history. See stomach cancer screening.
• Varices (enlarged veins) in people with cirrhosis
• Barrett's esophagus in people with long-standing reflux and other risk factors

To treat problems

• Stopping bleeding from ulcers or blood vessels
• Stretching (dilating) a narrowed esophagus
• Removing polyps or stuck food or objects
• Banding varices

How to prepare

• Fasting: do not eat or drink after midnight the night before, or as directed in your instructions. An empty stomach is needed for safety and a clear view.
• Medicines: tell us about all your medicines, supplements, and allergies. Blood thinners, diabetes medicines, and weight-loss injections such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) may need to be adjusted. Do not stop a blood thinner without talking to the doctor who prescribed it.
• Health history: tell us about heart or lung problems, sleep apnea, bleeding problems, a pacemaker, or past stomach surgery.
• A ride home: you will receive sedation, so an adult must drive you home.

What to expect during the procedure

• An IV is placed, and you receive sedation so you are comfortable and sleepy.
• A small plastic mouth guard protects your teeth.
• The doctor gently passes the endoscope through your mouth into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It does not affect your breathing.
• Biopsies may be taken; this is painless.
• The exam usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.

After the procedure

• You will rest until the sedation wears off, and the doctor or nurse will review the findings with you.
• You may have a mild sore throat, bloating, or gas for a few hours.
• Most people can eat soon afterward unless told otherwise.
• Do not drive, work, drink alcohol, or make important decisions for the rest of the day. Plan to resume normal activities the next day.
• If a blood thinner was stopped, we will tell you when to restart it.
• We will contact you with biopsy results and next steps, usually within 1 to 2 weeks.

Risks

Upper endoscopy is very safe. Rare complications include bleeding, a tear (perforation), and reactions to sedation. The risk is a little higher when treatments such as dilation are done. Most complications can be treated during the procedure.

Call us or go to the emergency room for severe chest or belly pain, fever, trouble swallowing, vomiting blood, or black stools after the procedure.

Make an appointment

Our gastroenterologists in Temple City care for patients from Arcadia, San Gabriel, Pasadena, Monrovia, Monterey Park, and across the San Gabriel Valley. We accept most PPO plans (see accepted insurances), and our doctors speak English, Vietnamese, and Mandarin. Schedule an appointment or call 626-898-4560.

This article is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your own health.