SERVICES - GASTROENTEROLOGY (procedure - upper endoscopy)
Endoscopy Procedure (Upper GI) | Colonoscopy Procedure (Lower GI) | Flexible Sigmoidoscopy Procedure (Lower GI) | IRC (Infrared coagulation) Hemorrhoid treatment (Lower GI) | Hydrogen Breath Test Preperation
Upper Endoscopy Overview
Upper endoscopy enables the physician to look inside the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). The procedure might be used to discover the reason for swallowing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, reflux, bleeding, indigestion, abdominal pain, or chest pain. Upper endoscopy is also called EGD, which stands for esophagogastro-duodenoscopy.
For the procedure, you will swallow a thin, flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope. Right before the procedure, your throat will be sprayed with a numbing agent that may help prevent gagging. You will also receive pain medicine and a sedative to help you relax during the exam.
The endoscope transmits an image of the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, so the physician can carefully examine the lining of these organs. The scope also blows air into the stomach -- this expands the folds of tissue and makes it easier for the physician to examine the stomach.
The physician can see abnormalities, like inflammation or bleeding, through the endoscope that don't show up well on x-rays. The physician can also insert instruments into the scope to treat bleeding abnormalities or remove samples of tissue (biopsy) for further tests.
Possible complications of upper endoscopy include bleeding and puncture of the stomach lining. However, such complications are rare. Most people will probably have nothing more than a mild sore throat after the procedure. The procedure takes 20 to 30 minutes. Because you will be sedated, you will need to rest for 30 to 60 minutes after the procedure, until the medication wears off.
You must arrange for someone to take you home -- you will not be allowed to drive because of the sedatives. Your physician may give you other special instructions.
For additional information you may visit the American College of Gastroenterology website at www.acg.gi.org. Click the "Patient Information" section.
EGD (upper endoscopy) Instructions
Medical History Pre-Procedure Review
If You Receive A Sedative For Your Procedure
About the gastroenterologists:
Dr. Mort Malkin received his undergraduate degree from the University of California at San Diego and received his Medical Degree from the Chicago Medical School. He received his training in Internal Medicine at the University of Connecticut and in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the University of Rochester. He was an Attending Physician in the GI and Hepatology Departments at the University of Rochester. He was in private practice in Ohio prior to coming to Chapel Hill Internal Medicine in 2000. Dr. Malkin is board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, and is listed by the Consumers’ Research Council of America as one of “America’s Top Physicians.” He is an active member in the American College of Physicians, the American College of Gastroenterology, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the American Gastroenterological Association. Dr. Malkin is accepting new gastroenterology patients by referral.
Dr. Julia Tang received both her Baccalaureate and Medical Degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill. She joined the staff of Chapel Hill Internal Medicine in 2006, after completing her Fellowship in Gastroenterology at UNC– Chapel Hill. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. Dr. Tang was born in Hong Kong, and since she was seven years old, has lived in North Carolina. Dr. Tang is an active member of the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the American College of Gastroenterology. She is accepting new gastroenterology patients by referral.