EGD in Illinois
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Find a ProviderWhat is an esophagogastroduodenoscopy?
An EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) is a gastrointestinal procedure where a long, skinny, soft tube, or “scope,” is placed in the patient’s mouth and advanced to the small intestine. The scope includes a light and camera at the end, which helps our GI specialists at GI Alliance of Illinois to effortlessly review the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and the beginning of the small intestine.
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy may typically be used as a way to discover the reason for GI symptoms, like abdominal pain, heartburn and/or acid reflux, difficulty swallowing, bleeding, or irregular findings from an x-ray. We may also perform an EGD for Chicago, IL, Peoria, IL, or Normal, IL, patients who have chronic heartburn to look for changes that could be an indication of esophageal cancer. If are experiencing any of the above symptoms and think you might need an EGD, request a consultation with a gastrointestinal provider at a GI Alliance of Illinois location near you.
What are the benefits of an EGD?
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy test is often beneficial for multiple reasons. The exam can enable your GI physician to directly assess the inner structures of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (which is the first part of the small intestine). Additional benefits of an EGD include:
- Aids in identifying a range of gastrointestinal concerns (including gastrointestinal infections, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, GERD, and others)
- Allows for polyp removal, the biopsy of tissues, and additional small procedures
- Can help discern the causes of GI symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, pain, and heartburn
- Typically is an efficient, safe, and quick process
What happens the day before my EGD?
You will receive guidelines from your GI Alliance of Illinois provider explaining the required preparations for an EGD. Many patients are allowed to eat normally the day before the EGD. You may be asked to not eat or drink after midnight other than taking necessary medications. It is very important that you follow the instructions given to you by your GI Alliance of Illinois provider. You may also be provided with more instructions about your medications. In most cases, your medications will be continued as normal. This may not be true of all medications, particularly if you take blood thinners (i.e., Coumadin®, warfarin, Plavix®, aspirin, anti-inflammatories) or if you have diabetes. In these cases, your provider will give you specialized instructions specific to your needs.
What can I expect on the day of my EGD?
We will ask you to get to the endoscopy center in Illinois, 1 – 1.5 hours before your procedure. You’ll need to change into a procedure gown. An IV will be put in your arm so we can administer sedation medication. You will be connected to equipment that will allow us to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, pulse, electrocardiogram, breathing, and oxygen level during the EGD.
Once you are settled into one of our comfortable exam rooms, we’ll have you lay on your left side on the exam table. Sedation will then be started. From there, we’ll gently insert the endoscope into your mouth. The endoscope will be carefully snaked through your esophagus, stomach, and the first portion of the small intestine. Injecting a small amount of air through the scope into the GI tract will help the provider to see during the procedure. Any fluid left over in the upper GI tract will be removed through the scope. Depending on the results of your exam, several things can be done, including the removal of polyps, biopsies, and the control of bleeding. Depending on the findings, the exam takes approximately 10 – 20 minutes. Following your exam, you will be taken to one of our private recovery rooms so we can monitor you while the sedation begins to wear off.
When will I get my test results?
After your exam, your GI Alliance of Illinois provider will review the findings of the procedure with you. Many patients won’t remember what they were told later on because they have a foggy brain due to the intravenous (IV) sedation. We recommend you bring a friend or family member with you to this discussion. We can also give you a printed review of what we discussed. In most situations, we’ll provide you with biopsy results in about a week.
Does an EGD carry any risks?
Typically, an EGD in Illinois, is very safe. Generally, problems develop in less than 1 percent of procedures. Most problems are not life or death; although if a complication arises, it may result in hospitalization and surgery. Prior to the exam, a consent form will be reviewed with you by our providers. Should you have any questions or concerns, these can be discussed with your provider ahead of your procedure.
Such as any other test, an EGD is not perfect. You can expect that there is a small, known possibility that abnormalities, like cancers, might be unnoticed at the time of your exam. It is important to continue to follow up with your provider and inform them of any new or persistent symptoms.
Are there other choices to an esophagogastroduodenoscopy?
Generally, alternatives to the exam will revolve around the need for an esophagogastroduodenoscopy in the first place. Typically, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy is the best method to find and diagnose any suspicious findings in the upper GI tract. However, an x-ray called an upper GI/barium swallow can assess your upper GI tract as well. This is, keep in mind, just a diagnosis. The treatment of any abnormalities might require an EGD or other surgery.
Diagnostic EGD to treat symptoms
If you or a family member is complaining of troubling issues, such as consistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or intestinal aches, you could gain insight from a diagnostic EGD exam. You can find a GI specialist who offers an esophagogastroduodenoscopy in Illinois at a location near you by calling GI Alliance of Illinois today to schedule your EGD.
EGD FAQs
Is an EGD the same procedure as an upper endoscopy?
You might hear an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) referred to by various names. Sometimes, it might be called a "gastroscopy" or an "upper endoscopy." Although these names may vary, they are typically the same thing as an EGD.
What are regarded as "normal" results for an EGD?
Results that are "normal" for an esophagogastroduodenoscopy generally indicate that your GI physician did not detect abnormalities in the upper portion of the gastrointestinal tract. However, normal results might be represented by a smooth texture and normal color in your esophageal, stomach, and duodenal areas. In addition, there should be no evidence of inflammation, growths, or bleeding within these structures. It is important to know that a "normal" test result does not always mean that no health concerns are present. Some medical concerns might not be visible with this type of test or may be located further down in the gastrointestinal tract, beyond the reach of the endoscope device utilized throughout the procedure.
Why might an EGD be requested?
Your GI Alliance of Illinois doctor might request an EGD if you have liver cirrhosis or Crohn's disease to help keep track of such medical conditions. In addition, an esophagogastroduodenoscopy may be prescribed if you are experiencing:
- Tarry or black stool
- Vomiting of blood
- Heartburn
- Upper abdominal pain
- Issues with swallowing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequent nausea
What should I bring to my EGD procedure?
When you come in for your esophagogastroduodenoscopy exam, you may need to complete some paperwork. As such, please bring your insurance card and ID with you to your appointment. It can be beneficial to carry a list of any nonprescription and prescription medications you might take, their dosages, and the reason for taking them. We recommend that you keep any jewelry and other types of valuables at home.
Reviews
I went to see the Nurse Practitioner Lauren Smith. MY GI Doctor is Dr. Lue who is absolutely wonderful but I have to say I felt my visit with the Nurse Practitioner was very good. She was very understanding and thorough and quickly began organizing test and answering medication questions I had, Explained things very well and took the time with me that made me feel important and cared about. I ended up having an EGD done by Dr. Lue who is also a very nice person and compassionate Doctor. I don't think I could fine better healthcare .My whole experience with this office was great, even the front desk people and schedulers.
Very efficient. The NP, Lauren Smith had read my chart before the visit. Listened attentively and made good suggestions to ease some of my symptoms. I was easy schedule for an upcoming EGD in a timely manner. This was my 1st visit to this office and I would score everyone as a 10/10.
I would highly recommend Dr. Kevin Liebovich, M.D. He is very thorough and a very knowledgeable Gastroenterologist. He's hand down the "Best"! Please schedule an appointment with him for your Colonoscopy and EGD. 👍
In the past I am here Dr. Shapiro and he has done a good job. I trust him he’s very professional and he’s thorough and very honest. I am in the process of having a colonoscopy and an EGD this month and I have total trust in his ability to do an excellent job
My husband & I just had our Colonoscopies done 2 weeks apart by Dr. Vincent Muscarello at his Oak Lawn office. You couldn't ask for a more professional staff from the moment you walk into his office to the point of discharge. We were treated with kindness and compassion by all staff members. We have been going to Dr. Muscarello for our EGD's and Colonoscopies for the past 25 years. We feel as if he's part of our family. His knowledge and medical skills, as well as his compassion in the GI field are exemplary. If we could, we would give him more than 5⭐'s❤
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