| 785-672-3211 |
| Logan County Hospital |
Upper GI Endoscopy
Upper GI Endoscopy
Upper GI endoscopy, sometimes called EGD
(esophagogastroduodenoscopy), is a visual examination of the upper
intestinal tract using a lighted, flexible fiberoptic or video endoscope.
The upper gastrointestinal tract begins with the mouth and continues
with the esophagus (food tube) which carries food to the stomach. The
J-shaped stomach secretes a potent acid and churns food into small
particles. The food then enters the duodenum, or small bowel, where
bile from the liver and digestive juices from the pancreas mix with it to
help the digestive process.
Equipment
The flexible endoscope is a remarkable piece of equipment that can be
directed and moved around the many bends in the gastrointestinal
tract. Endoscopes now come in two types. The original pure fiberoptic
instrument has a flexible bundle of glass fibers that collect the lighted
image at one end and transfer the image to the eye piece. The newer
video endoscopes have a tiny, optically sensitive computer chip at the
end. Electronic signals are then transmitted up the scope to the
computer which then displays the image on a large video screen. An
open channel in these scopes allows other instruments to be passed
through in order to take tissue samples, remove polyps and perform
other exams.
Reasons for the Exam
Due to factors related to diet, environment and heredity, the upper GI
tract is the site of numerous disorders. These can develop into a variety
of diseases and/or symptoms. Upper GI endoscopy helps in
diagnosing and often in treating these conditions:
ulcers -- which can develop in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum;
occasionally ulcers can be malignant tumors of the stomach or
esophagus difficulty in swallowing upper abdominal pain or indigestion
intestinal bleeding -- hidden or massive bleeding can occur for various
reasons
esophagitis and heartburn -- chronic inflammation of the esophagus
due to reflux of stomach acid and digestive juices
gastritis -- inflammation of the lining of the stomach
Preparation
It is important not to eat or drink anything for at least eight hours before
the exam. The physician instructs the patient about the use of regular
medications, including blood thinners, before the exam.
The Procedure
Upper GI endoscopy is usually performed on an outpatient basis. The
throat is often anesthetized by a spray or liquid. Intravenous sedation is
usually given to relax the patient, deaden the gag reflex and cause
short-term amnesia. For some individuals who can relax on their own
and whose gagging can be controlled, the exam is done without
intravenous medications. The endoscope is then gently inserted into
the upper esophagus. The patient can breath easily throughout the
exam. Other instruments can be passed through the endoscope to
perform additional procedures if necessary. For example, a biopsy can
be done in which a small tissue specimen is obtained for microscopic
analysis. A polyp or tumor can be removed using a thin wire snare and
electrocautery (electrical heat). The exam takes from 15 to 30 minutes,
after which the patient is taken to the recovery area. There is no pain
with the procedure and patients seldom remember much about it.
Results
After the exam, the physician will explain the results to the patient and
family. If the effects of the sedatives are prolonged, the physician may
suggest an interview at a later date when the results can be fully
understood. If a biopsy has been performed or a polyp removed, the
results are not available for three to seven days.
Benefits
An upper GI endoscopy is performed primarily to identify and/or correct
a problem in the upper gastrointestinal tract. This means the test
enables a diagnosis to be made upon which specific treatment can be
given. If a bleeding site is identified, treatment can stop the bleeding, or
if a polyp is found, it can be removed without a major operation. Other
treatments can be given through the endoscope when necessary.
Alternative Testing
Alternative tests to upper GI endoscopy include a barium x-ray and
ultrasound (sonogram) to study the organs in the upper abdomen.
Study of the stools, blood and stomach juice can provide indirect
information about a gastrointestinal condition. These exams, however,
do not allow for a direct viewing of the esophagus, stomach and
duodenum, removing of polyps or taking of biopsies.
Side Effects and Risks
A temporary, mild throat irritation sometimes occurs after the exam.
Serious risks with upper GI endoscopy, however, are very uncommon.
One such risk is excessive bleeding, especially with removal of a large
polyp. In extremely rare instances, a perforation, or tear, in the
esophagus or stomach wall can occur. These complications may
require hospitalization and, rarely, surgery. Quite uncommonly, a
diagnostic error or oversight may occur. Due to the mild sedation, the
patient should not drive or operate machinery following the exam. For
this reason, someone else should be available to drive the patient
home.
Summary
Upper GI endoscopy is a simple outpatient exam that is often
performed with the patient lightly sedated. The procedure provides
significant information upon which specific treatment can be given. In
certain cases, therapy can be administered directly through the
endoscope. Serious complications rarely occur from upper GI
endoscopy. The physician can answer any question the patient has.
Logan County Hospital's Endoscopy Program is provided
locally by several physicians including:
Dr. Alejandro Curiel, New Frontiers Health Services
785-672-3261
Dr. Michael Lasley, Surgical Associates of Hays
785-628-3217
Dr. Ross Stadalman, Surgical Associates of Hays
785-628-3217
Dr. Charles Schultz, Southwind Surgical of Hays
785-623-5945
For more information, please contact the Logan County Hospital
Surgical Services Department at 785-672-3211
Upper GI endoscopy, sometimes called EGD
(esophagogastroduodenoscopy), is a visual examination of the upper
intestinal tract using a lighted, flexible fiberoptic or video endoscope.
The upper gastrointestinal tract begins with the mouth and continues
with the esophagus (food tube) which carries food to the stomach. The
J-shaped stomach secretes a potent acid and churns food into small
particles. The food then enters the duodenum, or small bowel, where
bile from the liver and digestive juices from the pancreas mix with it to
help the digestive process.
Equipment
The flexible endoscope is a remarkable piece of equipment that can be
directed and moved around the many bends in the gastrointestinal
tract. Endoscopes now come in two types. The original pure fiberoptic
instrument has a flexible bundle of glass fibers that collect the lighted
image at one end and transfer the image to the eye piece. The newer
video endoscopes have a tiny, optically sensitive computer chip at the
end. Electronic signals are then transmitted up the scope to the
computer which then displays the image on a large video screen. An
open channel in these scopes allows other instruments to be passed
through in order to take tissue samples, remove polyps and perform
other exams.
Reasons for the Exam
Due to factors related to diet, environment and heredity, the upper GI
tract is the site of numerous disorders. These can develop into a variety
of diseases and/or symptoms. Upper GI endoscopy helps in
diagnosing and often in treating these conditions:
ulcers -- which can develop in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum;
occasionally ulcers can be malignant tumors of the stomach or
esophagus difficulty in swallowing upper abdominal pain or indigestion
intestinal bleeding -- hidden or massive bleeding can occur for various
reasons
esophagitis and heartburn -- chronic inflammation of the esophagus
due to reflux of stomach acid and digestive juices
gastritis -- inflammation of the lining of the stomach
Preparation
It is important not to eat or drink anything for at least eight hours before
the exam. The physician instructs the patient about the use of regular
medications, including blood thinners, before the exam.
The Procedure
Upper GI endoscopy is usually performed on an outpatient basis. The
throat is often anesthetized by a spray or liquid. Intravenous sedation is
usually given to relax the patient, deaden the gag reflex and cause
short-term amnesia. For some individuals who can relax on their own
and whose gagging can be controlled, the exam is done without
intravenous medications. The endoscope is then gently inserted into
the upper esophagus. The patient can breath easily throughout the
exam. Other instruments can be passed through the endoscope to
perform additional procedures if necessary. For example, a biopsy can
be done in which a small tissue specimen is obtained for microscopic
analysis. A polyp or tumor can be removed using a thin wire snare and
electrocautery (electrical heat). The exam takes from 15 to 30 minutes,
after which the patient is taken to the recovery area. There is no pain
with the procedure and patients seldom remember much about it.
Results
After the exam, the physician will explain the results to the patient and
family. If the effects of the sedatives are prolonged, the physician may
suggest an interview at a later date when the results can be fully
understood. If a biopsy has been performed or a polyp removed, the
results are not available for three to seven days.
Benefits
An upper GI endoscopy is performed primarily to identify and/or correct
a problem in the upper gastrointestinal tract. This means the test
enables a diagnosis to be made upon which specific treatment can be
given. If a bleeding site is identified, treatment can stop the bleeding, or
if a polyp is found, it can be removed without a major operation. Other
treatments can be given through the endoscope when necessary.
Alternative Testing
Alternative tests to upper GI endoscopy include a barium x-ray and
ultrasound (sonogram) to study the organs in the upper abdomen.
Study of the stools, blood and stomach juice can provide indirect
information about a gastrointestinal condition. These exams, however,
do not allow for a direct viewing of the esophagus, stomach and
duodenum, removing of polyps or taking of biopsies.
Side Effects and Risks
A temporary, mild throat irritation sometimes occurs after the exam.
Serious risks with upper GI endoscopy, however, are very uncommon.
One such risk is excessive bleeding, especially with removal of a large
polyp. In extremely rare instances, a perforation, or tear, in the
esophagus or stomach wall can occur. These complications may
require hospitalization and, rarely, surgery. Quite uncommonly, a
diagnostic error or oversight may occur. Due to the mild sedation, the
patient should not drive or operate machinery following the exam. For
this reason, someone else should be available to drive the patient
home.
Summary
Upper GI endoscopy is a simple outpatient exam that is often
performed with the patient lightly sedated. The procedure provides
significant information upon which specific treatment can be given. In
certain cases, therapy can be administered directly through the
endoscope. Serious complications rarely occur from upper GI
endoscopy. The physician can answer any question the patient has.
Logan County Hospital's Endoscopy Program is provided
locally by several physicians including:
Dr. Alejandro Curiel, New Frontiers Health Services
785-672-3261
Dr. Michael Lasley, Surgical Associates of Hays
785-628-3217
Dr. Ross Stadalman, Surgical Associates of Hays
785-628-3217
Dr. Charles Schultz, Southwind Surgical of Hays
785-623-5945
For more information, please contact the Logan County Hospital
Surgical Services Department at 785-672-3211
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