EGD

If you have chronic abdominal pain, heartburn, or nausea, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) can identify the underlying cause and guide treatment. At Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island, with offices in Wantagh and Malverne, New York, gastroenterologists Jeffrey Novak, MD, and Zachary Marwil, MD, use EGDs to diagnose various gastrointestinal problems. The majority of endoscopies are performed at our ambulatory surgery center, The Endoscopy Center of Long Island in Garden City, New York. Call the office today or book online to request an EGD.

What is an EGD?

An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a minimally invasive procedure that diagnoses and treats upper digestive tract problems.

During treatment, your Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island provider carefully inserts an endoscope –– a thin tube with a light and camera on the end –– through your mouth and throat and into your esophagus.

The camera sends a video feed to a monitor in the exam room that your provider views. They use those images to diagnose underlying digestive problems, like inflammation, abscesses, or fissures.

What problems can an EGD test diagnose?

At Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island, the providers use EGD to diagnose various problems, including:

• Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
• Gastritis (inflammation of the lining of the stomach)
• Peptic ulcers
• Stomach polyps
• Celiac disease
• Hiatal hernia
• Cirrhosis of the liver
• Barrett’s esophagus

The EGD provides high-quality images of the lining of your upper digestive tract. If your provider sees any unusual growths or polyps, they can collect a sample for biopsy.

How do I prepare for an EGD?

Before scheduling an EGD, your Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes a physical exam.

Next, they explain how to prepare for the EGD. You must avoid eating anything for at least eight hours before the procedure. If you take prescription blood thinners or medication for diabetes, you might also need to adjust your dose. Since the procedure is done under anesthesia, a friend or family member must drive you home.

What happens during an EGD?

An EGD is an outpatient procedure that takes 60-90 minutes.

When you arrive at the office, you take an oral medication that causes you to feel drowsy and fall asleep. Once you’re comfortable, your provider carefully inserts the endoscope into your mouth and down your throat.

After positioning the endoscope, your provider pumps air into it. That expands your esophagus and upper stomach, making it easier to see. Your provider carefully examines your organs and might collect a biopsy or make small repairs.

Your provider removes the endoscope, suctions the air out of your stomach, and moves you to a recovery room for observation. When you wake up, your provider gives you recovery instructions and sends you home.

Call the nearest Gastrointestinal Specialists of Long Island office today to request an EGD, or book your appointment online.