How to Do an EGD Test

An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) test--also known as upper endoscopy and gastroscopy according to the National Institutes of Health on the Medline Plus website--uses a flexible endoscope with a tiny camera to view the inner lining of your esophagus, stomach and upper intestines. As such, you should only allow a qualified physician to perform the procedure.

Things You'll Need

• Consent form
• Anesthesia

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Instructions

• 1

  You'll need to stop taking aspirin several days before the test.

  Stop taking aspirin and any blood-thinning medications for a time before the procedure as your doctor instructs. Fast for six to 12 hours before your EGD test. Sign a form that informs you of the risks involved giving your consent.

• 2

  Remove dentures before the procedure.

  Remove your dentures and lie on your left side, if necessary. Medical personnel should give you a mouth guard and insert an intravenous line into your arm.

• 3

  You'll be given sedatives intravenously.

  Wait for the sedatives to take effect. You will receive both a painkiller and a sedative. A local anesthetic may be sprayed in your mouth so that you don't cough or gag on the endoscope during the esophagogastroduodenoscopy procedure.

• 4

  You won't be able to eat or dinke for a short time.

  Avoid liquids or foods after the EGD test, which can take five to 20 minutes depending upon what other procedures the doctor performs. You may eat and drink after the anesthetic has abated and your gag reflux has returned.