What is UPPER ENDOSCOPY(EGD)?

What is UPPER ENDOSCOPY(EGD)?
An upper endoscopy is a normal method to look at the lining of the upper piece of your gastrointestinal tract. It’s also known as Esophagus-gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD). It evaluates the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. Upper Endoscopy is also performed for various other problems such as bleeding from the ulcers, remove objects struck in the upper GI tract.
How is Endoscopy performed?
The whole process is performed at an outpatient center. Before the process is carried out, the patient is given some sedative to relieve the patient from the pain and to make the body numb. Sometimes, the patient is also given a liquid medicine which he/she has to gargle to numb the throat to prevent gagging. There will be a continuous study of the patient’s heartbeat. This is done to comfort the patient.
The patient would be made to lie on a side. The specialist will then cautiously pass the endoscope down your throat and into your stomach and duodenum. The camera placed on the top of the endoscope will send a video feed to the monitor. By doing this, the doctor will have a close-range examination of the upper lining of your upper GI tract. The endoscope will keep pumping air into the stomach making easier for the doctor to see. When the procedure is going on, the doctor may even take some tissues of the upper GI tract for examining. The time taken to finish the endoscopy is approximately 15-30 minutes. The endoscopy does not interfere with your normal metabolism. Many people even tend to fall asleep during the process.
The endoscope is a device which has a lens and a light source. The lens sends an image to a video monitor. It allows the doctor to check for any kind of inflammation or bleeding inside the stomach. Endo in Greek means “within” while the scope is Greek for “skopos” meaning “target”. Endoscopes allow doctors to see problems within your body without making large incisions. The doctors might give laxatives to clear up the system. The patient’s medical history is studied by the doctor. Many new technologies have been introduced in the field of endoscopy. One such method is capsule endoscopy where a capsule is consumed by the patient which has a tiny camera which will take the required number of photos throughout its passage down to the intestines. The sedatives which the doctor gives will result in impairment of judgment, Hence, it’s ideal to take a cab or as someone for a ride back home. The patient will experience little or no pain throughout the whole process. He/She might only experience a slightly sore throat after the treatment which can be treated using throat lozenges, warm water and some more. EGD might be needed for a person if he/she experiences any of the following symptoms:
- Irregular or Indistinct findings in the imaging.
- Continuous nausea or having difficulty in swallowing.
- Continuous abdominal pain.
How do you prepare for an endoscopy?
The patient needs to stop eating and drinking 8 hours before the endoscopy to make sure the patient has an empty stomach.
What problems does Upper GI endoscopy treat?

What problems does Upper GI endoscopy treat?
Upper GI endoscopy is efficient in solving many problems such as:
- Controlling bleeding
- Tube insertion for feeding into the stomach
- Expelling tumors
What type of anesthesia is used during Upper GI Endoscopy?
Throughout the procedure of endoscopy, sedation will stay right beside you monitoring your consciousness and providing sedation whenever necessary. Any kind of problem has to be told to the doctor before getting the sedation. Sedatives are given to reduce the anxiety and fear in the patient. Sedation is generally done using Benzodiazepine and a pain killer to relieve the patient from any kind of pain.
What are the side effects after Endoscopy?
There are a few complications one should look after completing an endoscopy. They are:
- Fever
- Chest torment
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty to swallow
- Vomiting
Any off chance that a patient might encounter these effects, Doctor consultation is definitely necessary.
How do you feel after an endoscopy?
After the completion of an Upper GI Endoscopy, the patient is supposed to stay at the hospital for an hour or two so that the sedative can wear off. Nausea can be experienced by the patient for a considerable amount of time after he has been discharged. Many other problems might be experienced such as a sore throat, Breath shortage and many more. The patient should understand that these symptoms are common after the operation. Some results are available right away and they can be taken home.
Recovery time for EGD
After the Endoscopy is finished, the patient is made to stay in the recovery room for about 30 minutes. A sore throat can be experienced by the patient. Lozenges can help cure the coughing. The physician who performs the endoscopy will send the primary results to the doctor in charge and the doctor will discuss the whereabouts from analyzing the reports. If immediate assistance is needed, the doctor will say so and the assistance is taken care of. If the pain is severe after the surgery, Consultation is a must.
Recovery time after EGD
People can often get side effects after an endoscopy. There are many signs and symptoms which helps to know about the side effects. Some of them are mentioned below:
The patient can get fever and chest pain. Shortness of breath is one of the fatal side effects of endoscopy. So basically the after-effects of endoscopy are quite fatal. People may also get the bloody, black or very dark stool. Eating becomes a problem, as the patient may find it difficult to swallow. A severe or persistent abdominal pain will be there all the time. Vomiting is one if the symptom of after effects of EGD.
If the patient finds any one of these symptoms they should immediately consult a doctor.
Best EGD Doctor in Dallas and Rowlett TX

Best EGD Doctor in Dallas and Rowlett TX
There are many doctors who carry out upper GI endoscopy but Dr. Viral Kumar Patel MD is one of the most renowned doctors in the whole of Dallas and Rowlett, TX. Dr.Viral Kumar Patel was voted the best doctor in D Magazine because of his excellent services to people. He provides state of the art care to each of his patients and makes sure their illness is cured at a favorable cost. Many kinds of illness are treated at Dr. Patel’s clinic including acid reflux, abdominal pain, pancreas problems, and many more.
Thinking about the patient is one of the best quality of Dr. Patel. He takes care of almost every patient suffering from GERD, stomach torment, pancreas/gallstones issues and also colon disease. His routine checkups also include upper and lower endoscopy, case endoscopy and propelled restorative ERCP methods.
Talking about his interests, he has an inclined interest towards Barrett’s esophagus. He has trained in Barry ablative procedures. Being such a talented doctor, Dr. Patel was awarded the “Best Doctor” in D magazine. He has also received “Top Physician” award at the THR Presbyterian Dallas.
Let’s throw light on his educational qualifications:
- He is board certified in internal medicine and gastroenterology.
- He got his fellowship in gastroenterology, advanced endoscopy at Baylor Medical Center, Dallas.
- Residency is at Baylor Medical Center Dallas.
- Got his MD from Texas Tech, Lubbock.