Esophagoscopy Gastroscopy Duodenoscopy (EGD)
What is an Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)?
Your doctor has suggested that you have an EGD as part of your evaluation at National Jewish Health. An EGD allows the doctor to look inside the esophagus, stomach, and a portion of the small intestine.
Preparing for an EGD
- Stop eating food for 8 hours before your procedure. You may still sip clear liquids only until 4 hours before your procedure. Clear liquids include: water, black coffee (no cream or sugar), plain tea (no milk or sweeteners), clear juices without pulp (such as apple juice), and clear sports drinks. Stop drinking fluids of any kind 4 hours before your procedure. If you do not follow these instructions, your procedure will be cancelled for your safety.
- Notify your doctor if you take blood thinners such as Coumadin, Plavix, Lovenox, or Pradaxa, as you might need to hold these medications before your procedure.
- Notify your doctor if you take any oral medicines or insulin for diabetes.
- Notify your doctor if you take any diabetes or weight loss medications such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Trulicity, etc., as you may need to hold these medications up to a week before your procedure.
On Procedure Day:
- A responsible adult must wait for you at National Jewish during your procedure and take you back to your residence after you are discharged. They must be readily available for the recovery period to review discharge instructions. You will not be able to drive yourself or take a taxi/public transportation. If you do not have someone with you to drive you home, your procedure will be cancelled.
- Check in at the Front Desk, and they will direct you from there. If you have questions, or if you would like to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please call 303-398-1355, option #4.
- Do not take the medicines your doctor has asked you to hold.
- Heart, blood pressure, or seizure medication may be taken as prescribed with a small sip of water at least 2 hours before your procedure.
- Do not wear jewelry.
- If you use oxygen at home, even if only at night or while active, please bring a portable oxygen unit with you. You may need to use supplemental oxygen for a while after the procedure. Occasionally, patients need to go home with supplemental oxygen after their procedure. In such cases, there may be an additional out-of-pocket expense.
- You should not work, drive, or make any important decisions for the rest of the day.
- We suggest that someone stays with you overnight.
What is done during and EGD?
When you arrive to the procedural area, a nurse will explain what will be done before, during and after the EGD. If you have any questions, please ask. A nurse will start an IV and review your medical history with you. Your vital signs will be monitored throughout your stay in the procedural area. You will meet with the physician performing your EGD as well as the anesthesia provider prior to being transported to the procedure room. You will lie down on your left side during the EGD. A mouthpiece will help you keep your mouth open. An anesthesia provider will use your IV to sedate you. Your doctor will insert a small, flexible tub with a camera on the end, called an endoscope, through your mouth and into your upper gastrointestinal tract. Your doctor may biopsy (remove) small amounts of tissue from your esophagus, stomach, or duodenum (the first part of the small intestine after the stomach). The tissue will be studied to help determine your diagnosis and the best treatment for you. You will be monitored closely during the procedure. Once the EGD is complete, you will go to a recovery room and be monitored by a nurse until you are awake, and your doctor determines when you are able to go home. Your nurse will review your procedure report and discharge instructions with you and send you home with a copy of each.
How long will the procedure take?
The average time at the facility-from check-in to discharge- is typically 2 to 3 hours. This timeframe includes pre-procedure preparation, procedure, and post-procedure recovery. However, your visit may take longer depending on the complexity of your medical needs and the overall patient volume at the time. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to provide the highest quality care to every patient. Remember, a responsible adult must wait for you at National Jewish during your procedure and take you back to your residence after you are discharged.
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