Gastroscopy
A gastroscopy, also known as an EGD, upper GI, upper endoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy, is a visual examination of your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine.
At SSM Health, our digestive health specialists provide a full range of outpatient gastrointestinal diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including gastroscopy. Schedule an appointment today with of one of our gastroenterologists if you have questions or concerns about your digestive health.
About the Procedure
The gastroscope is a flexible fiber optic camera connected to a video processor and light source. The light source illuminates the end of the scope allowing the gastroenterologist to visualize the inside to the upper GI tract (esophagus, stomach and upper part of the small intestine). The video processor allows the picture to be displayed on a monitor screen. Your physician will insert air through the scope to expand tissue to assist with visualization. This is a very safe exam, and complications are uncommon.
When is a gastroscopy needed?
Your SSM Health physician may suggest a gastroscopy if you experience symptoms such as:
- Chronic or recurring heartburn, nausea or vomiting
- Nausea over a longer period of time
- Stomach pain
- Trouble swallowing
- Black stool or blood in your stool
- Weight loss for no apparent reason
- Suspected peptic ulcer
- Suspected cancer of the esophagus or stomach
- A check-up after stomach surgery
What to Expect
Most people are ready to go home after resting for half an hour or so after the procedure. If you have had a sedative, you may take a bit longer to be ready to go home. The sedative will normally make you feel quite pleasant and relaxed. You should not drive, operate machinery or drink alcohol for 24 hours after sedation and the procedure. We encourage you to rest the remainder of the day. Most people are able to resume normal activities after 24 hours.
Your SSM Health physician will explain to you the results of your exam and give you instructions for your care. It is often helpful to have a friend or relative present to help you remember what was discussed.
If any biopsies were done, the results of these will be sent to you and your primary physician within two weeks of your exam, or you may be asked to call the physician who performed the exam to obtain the results. It takes at least 3 days for the physician to receive results, so if you call, wait at least 72 hours.
Contact us today to find a provider, schedule an appointment or if you have any questions about your digestive health. At SSM Health, we will customize a treatment plan to ensure you get the care you deserve.