If you’re experiencing unexplained abdominal pain or gastric bleeding, you may need to undergo an upper endoscopy (EGD), which is a procedure that captures images of your upper digestive system. Meade Edmunds, MD, and his team at Edmunds Gastroenterology in Knoxville, Tennessee, specialize in conditions that affect the digestive system and perform EGDs when needed. For an evaluation or to learn more about the test, call the office today or book an appointment online.
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.
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.
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.
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The procedure takes approximately five to seven minutes, and after the scope is withdrawn from your mouth, you begin to wake up from the anesthesia.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.
This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please consult with your primary care physician or a specialist regarding your symptoms.
