EGD FAQ

EGD FAQ

About Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy

The upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the site of many disorders, usually related to diet, environment and heredity. These disorders can develop into a variety of diseases or symptoms, which can be diagnosed with a procedure called an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy).

By visually examining the upper intestinal tract using a lighted, flexible endoscope, gastroenterologists can diagnose:

Ulcers — which can develop in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum;
Tumors of the stomach or esophagus;
Difficulty in swallowing;
Upper abdominal pain or indigestion;
Intestinal bleeding;
Esophagitis and heartburn — a chronic inflammation of the esophagus due to reflux of stomach acid and digestive juices; and
Gastritis — an inflammation of the lining of the stomach.

During an EGD, other instruments can be passed through the endoscope to perform additional procedures if needed. These procedures could include a biopsy, in which a small tissue specimen is obtained for microscopic analysis, or removal of a polyp or tumor using a thin wire snare and electrocautery (electrical heat).

Frequently Asked Questions about Upper GI Endoscopy

The upper gastrointestinal tract begins with the mouth and continues with the esophagus (food tube) which carries food to the stomach. The acid in the stomach churns food into small particles. The food particles then enter the duodenum, or small bowel, where bile from the liver and digestive juices from the pancreas mixes with it to help the digestive process. Both bile and enzymes are needed to digest food, so it is important to diagnose any problems as quickly as possible.

An endoscope is flexible tube with a tiny, optically sensitive computer chip at the end. As the physician moves it through the upper gastrointestinal tract, electronic signals are transmitted from the scope to a computer that displays the image on a video screen. An open channel in the scope allows other instruments to be passed through it to take tissue samples, remove polyps and perform other exams..

First, your physician will anesthetize your throat with a spray or liquid. The endoscope is then gently inserted into the upper esophagus. The exam takes from 15 to 30 minutes, and then you are taken to the recovery area. There is no pain with the procedure and patients seldom remember much about it.

It is important not to eat or drink anything for at least eight hours before the exam. Your physician will give you instructions about the use of regular medications, including blood thinners, before the exam. Because of the mild sedation, you are not allowed to drive, operate heavy machinery or make any important decisions for up to six hours following the exam. It’s important to have someone with you to drive you home.

After the exam, the physician will explain the results to you. If the effects of the sedatives are prolonged, the physician may suggest a follow-up appointment to review your results. If a biopsy has been performed or a polyp removed, it usually takes several days to get the results.

A temporary, mild sore throat sometimes occurs after the exam. Serious risks with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, however, are very uncommon. One such risk is excessive bleeding, especially if a large polyp is removed. In extremely rare instances, a perforation, or tear, in the esophagus or stomach wall can occur. These complications may require hospitalization and, rarely, surgery.

Gastroenterologist Services

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Florida Digestive Specialists Surgery Center

Patient Reviews

" I have been having my endoscopy with Dr. Kamath for the past 4 years. I would recommend anyone to have their procedures done at this facility. The staff is professional, loving and efficient. Everyone knows what they are doing so there’s no confusion. Dr. Kamath greets me with a smile each time I’ve met him and handled my visits to his office like I’m a human being and never a number. The facility is clean . Smells and looks great and my favorite of all is… I never wait long. The office gives you an appointment, and they take you on time. I’ll go to dr Kamath and recommend him always."
- Ruth Ilyas

Our Locations

Bay Area Endoscopy and Surgery Center
5771 49th St North
St. Petersburg, FL 33709
Tel: (727) 528-2261 

Florida Digestive Specialists
5651 49th Street
St. Petersburg, FL 33709
Tel: (727) 443-4299   Fax: (727) 443-0255

Our Hospitals

Northside Hospital
6000 49th Street North
St. Petersburg, FL 33709
Tel: (727) 521-5158

St. Petersburg General Hospital
6500 38th Ave North
St Petersburg, FL 33710
Tel: (727) 461-8057