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Upper Endoscopy Specialist
in Knoxville, TN

What is an Upper Endoscopy?

An upper endoscopy is a safe procedure that allows your physician to look at the lining of your esophagus, stomach, and approximal small bowel. It is used to evaluate such conditions as abdominal pain, reflux, hiatal hernia, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Dr. Edmunds and his team at Edmunds Gastroenterology strive to make your upper endoscopy as safe and comfortable as possible.

 

Conditions That May Require an Upper Endoscopy:

Abdominal Pain
Reflux
Hiatal Hernia
Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Frequently Asked Questions

What in an EGD?

An EGD (upper endoscopy) is a procedure where a thin, flexible scope with a light source at the end is used to go through the mouth and down the esophagus, stomach, and approximal small bowel. It allows your doctor to closely examine the lining of these organs and biopsy any abnormalities.

What are the indications for upper endoscopy?

Upper endoscopy is often performed in order to evaluate such conditions as chronic heartburn, black stool suggesting a gastrointestinal bleed, recurrent nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain, weight loss, or difficulty swallowing.

How is an upper endoscopy performed?

Upper endoscopy is performed after you fast for at least four to six hours. You’re placed on your left side and given sedation in order to keep you comfortable.

After you’re adequately sedated, the small, flexible scope is placed in your mouth and advanced through your esophagus into your stomach and approximal small bowel. Any abnormalities seen may be biopsied, and you won’t feel these biopsies or any pain during the procedure.

The procedure takes approximately five to seven minutes, and after the scope is withdrawn from your mouth, you begin to wake up from the anesthesia. You may feel some bloating and gas distention due to air being used in order to get the best look at the lining of your stomach and small bowel.

Once you wake up, you can start drinking and eating without difficulty, but it’s recommended that you take it easy for the first meal due to possible effects of anesthesia.

Your physician talks to you after the procedure, and when the biopsy results are obtained, your physician makes further plans regarding your treatment and any further diagnostic testing.

To schedule your upper endoscopy, call Edmunds Gastroenterology today or request an appointment online.

Our Team of Specialists

Meade Edmunds, M.D.

Meade Edmunds, MD, is a leading gastroenterologist and founder of Edmunds Gastroenterology in Knoxville, Tennessee. Dr. Edmunds believes in delivering care of the highest possible quality and creating a safe and compassionate environment for every person he sees

Melissa Roberts, FNP-BC

Melissa is a Knoxville native who has over 20 years of experience in the medical field. She is board certified through the AANP and has practiced in the specialty of gastroenterology since 2015.

Jennifer Hayles, FNP-C

Jennifer Hayles, FNP-C is a graduate of LMU Caylor School of Nursing and King University. She completed her Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Chamberlain University in Chicago, Illinois in 2019.

Kim Dunaway, Nurse Practitioner

Kim Dunaway is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner. Kim is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and Carson Newman. Kim worked in Family Practice for 10 years then moved to GI in 2012 seeing all GI-related conditions, specializing in Hepatology including participation in research.