When you’re suffering from chronic heartburn or have unexplained episodes of vomiting, you need accurate diagnostic testing and prompt treatment. At Digestive Disorders Associates in Annapolis, Chester, and Gambrills/Waugh Chapel, Maryland, the skilled medical team offers in-office EGD testing to check the health of the lining of your esophagus and your stomach lining. This safe and effective test provides the necessary information to create an effective treatment plan and restore your digestive health. Schedule a consultation and learn more about the diagnostic benefits of an EGD using the online booking feature or by calling the office directly.
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a diagnostic procedure that allows your Digestive Disorders Associates provider the opportunity to closely examine the lining of your stomach, esophagus, and duodenum, which is the upper part of your small intestine.
You may need an EGD as part of the diagnostic testing process when you have symptoms such as:
An EGD may also be a useful tool for evaluating the effectiveness of treatment for conditions like cirrhosis of the liver and Crohn’s disease.
To keep you comfortable during the test, your Digestive Disorders Associates provider administers medications to relax you and prevent pain. You may also receive intravenous medications throughout the procedure to keep you relaxed.
Your doctors inserts an instrument, known as an endoscope, into your esophagus. The endoscope has an attached camera and as he guides it into your stomach and the upper part of your intestine, the camera sends real-time images to an external monitor. He passes air through the endoscope to make the lining of your esophagus easier to see.
If your doctor notices any abnormalities, they may take a small sample of tissue to biopsy.
Following the procedure, you remain in the office for observation until the anesthetic wears off. The medical team also makes sure you can swallow liquids without any complications or pain before you can go home.
For several hours after the EGD procedure, you may feel some bloating and cramping. Your throat may also be sore. These issues are normal and should only be temporary. You can return to your normal diet if you can swallow without difficulty. You may need to start with soft foods and liquids until your throat feels better.
Your Digestive Disorders Associate doctor reviews the results of your test and contacts you as soon as possible if he detects any abnormalities. You may need additional testing to confirm a diagnosis and the medical team can customize a treatment plan to address the results of your EGD.
To learn more about the diagnostic benefits of an EGD, schedule an appointment online or by phone today.
