Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

EGDS is an endoscopic method for examining the mucosa of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy can detect inflammatory foci, benign and malignant formations, as well as any other pathological changes, even in the early stages.

The results obtained by specialists after this procedure make it possible to effectively diagnose diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Other methods cannot boast the same high information content. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is performed using a gastroscope.

Types of esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is both a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure. EGDS is used to diagnose:

• Peptic ulcer
• Gastritis
• Neoplasms of a benign and malignant nature
• Intravenous bleeding
• Gastric polyps
• Varicose veins of the esophagus and stomach
• With the collection of biological material for subsequent laboratory testing for Helicobacter pylori
• With a biopsy for histological examination, etc.

Therapeutic endoscopy is used when certain pathological changes have been identified after the diagnosis. In this case, esophagogastroduodenoscopy is a minimally invasive surgery method that does not involve incisions or punctures. Thanks to this procedure, specialists perform the following medical manipulations:

• Remove benign neoplasms
• Stop ulcer bleeding
• Remove polyps and ligature sutures
• Remove varicose veins of the esophagus and stomach
• Foreign bodies are removed
• Perform endoscopic dissection, etc.

Indications and contraindications

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is performed if the patient has the following complaints:

• Stool disorders (black or tarry)
• Discomfort when swallowing
• Severe weight loss for no reason
• Frequent nausea and vomiting
• Anemia of unclear nature
• Negative colonoscopy tests
• Signs of bleeding in the upper digestive tract
• Frequent heartburn
• Abdominal pain
• Lack of appetite or feeling hungry even after eating
• Chemical burns of internal organs

EGDS is also necessary as part of oncoscreening, examination after treatment of oncology or diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract, with esophageal stenosis.

Contraindications for the procedure

Despite the fact that esophagogastroduodenoscopy is a practically harmless procedure, it is still invasive. In this regard, she also has contraindications. Most of them are relative, i.e. diagnosis will need to be delayed until the symptoms subside. Among them:

• Severe respiratory and cardiac failure
• Aortic aneurysm
• Acute mental disorders
• Blood clotting disorder
• Myocardial infarction or stroke
• Arrhythmia
• The general serious condition of the patient

In the "K+31" clinic, before the appointment of endoscopy, specialists must conduct a detailed survey and examination of the patient, which also includes various diagnostic studies. This is necessary to completely eliminate possible contraindications.

Rules for preparing for endoscopy

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is possible only after its appointment by the attending physician. The specialist explains the rules of conduct during the procedure and its purpose, explains how to prepare for it. The possibility of performing endoscopy under sedation is discussed. It may be needed in order to eliminate existing experiences. In this case, an anesthesiologist's consultation is additionally assigned.

Some patients are also advised to temporarily stop certain medications (painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs) and follow a certain diet (avoid junk food). No special medications or enemas are required.

General preparation rules include the following:

• Do not eat anything for 6-8 hours. Do not drink liquids for 4-6 hours
• Do not smoke and chew gum a few hours before the procedure
• Schedule esophagogastroduodenoscopy on a day off
• Empty your bladder just before the procedure

Neglecting the rules for preparing for EGDS can cause uninformative results or lead to complications.

How esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS) is performed

EGDS is performed on an outpatient basis in a special room for endoscopic examinations with the necessary equipment. Before starting the procedure, the specialist may administer a mild sedative to the patient to relieve anxiety.

1. The doctor anesthetizes the mucous membrane of the mouth and throat of the patient
2. The patient is laid on his left side and clamps a special mouthpiece with his teeth. This is necessary to protect the teeth and the endoscope from biting
3. If the patient is diagnosed without sedation, the specialist asks him to inhale and swallow. At this time, the gastroscope is introduced into the body through the mouth. Breathe through your nose
4. A gastroscope equipped with a light and a video camera passes from the esophagus to the stomach and duodenum. The whole process takes approximately 10-20 minutes. If necessary, additional biological materials are taken for further research or medical manipulations are performed

Possible complications

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is a safe procedure. But still, after its implementation, certain complications and risks are possible. They are associated with the procedure for introducing an endoscope into the body and carrying out diagnostic and therapeutic manipulations:

• Sore throat due to irritation
• Bloating
• Perforation in the stomach, esophagus, or duodenum
• Bleeding at the biopsy site

You should immediately seek medical advice if, after undergoing an EGD, the patient has a fever, vomiting with blood, change in stool, which may indicate internal bleeding.

Specialists of the "K+31" Medical Center conduct esophagogastroduodenoscopy using modern equipment and in strict accordance with the established rules. This allows you to minimize the risk of possible complications and obtain informative results.