EGD and biopsy

Procedure Information

What is EGD with biopsy?

EGD, which stands for esophagogastroduodenoscopy, is a procedure used to visualize the upper digestive system using a tiny camera on the end of a flexible, long tube called an endoscope. The upper digestive system includes the esophagus, stomach, and the proximal part of your small intestine called the duodenum. The procedure is performed by a gastroenterologist to aid in diagnosing conditions related to your digestive system.

During the procedure, a biopsy can be taken from any part of your gastrointestinal tract to help your physician to diagnose different diseases and know the cause of your symptoms. 

Why would I get this procedure?

Endoscopy is recommended to understand the cause of symptoms like abdominal pain, bleeding, heartburn, nausea and vomiting, and swallowing problems. It can also diagnose esophageal, gastric, and duodenal ulcers. EGD can also be done to remove foreign objects, polyps and stop bleeding. It may also be used to take biopsies. 

What happens during the procedure?

The procedure, in general, is fast and takes around 30 minutes. Before the procedure, you will have a local anesthetic applied at the back of your throat, and you will be given a sedative drug intravenously. The sedative drug will help make you feel relaxed and relieve stress. 

You will lie on your side during the procedure, and the physician will insert the endoscope in your mouth. The endoscope will pass through your throat to the area of interest. A tiny camera will be at the tip to deliver images to a monitor.

Your doctor will watch this monitor and look for abnormalities as the endoscope progresses in your digestive system. Your doctor may pass special tools through the endoscope to remove polyps or collect tissue samples.

What to expect after the procedure?

You will stay in the recovery area for observation for about 30 minutes. This allows your healthcare to monitor you for any complications and give you some time as the sedative wears off.

Symptoms like cramping, sore throat, and bloating are expected after endoscopy and should improve with time. If you notice severe abdominal pain, fever, chest pain, or continuous cough, you should immediately reach out to your doctor.

Conclusion

Your results depend on the reason behind doing the procedure. If endoscopy was to examine your upper GI tract to detect ulcers, you may know the findings right after the procedure. 

However, if it was to obtain a biopsy, you will have to wait a few days because this tissue sample will be sent to a lab for analysis by pathologists. Your doctor will help you understand your results and what they mean for your case.

Citations

Mayo Clinic: Upper endoscopy