517.332.1200

Request an Appointment

EGD (Upper Endoscopy)

Make An Appointment

What is an upper endoscopy?

Upper endoscopy, also known as an upper GI endoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, EGD and panendoscopy, is a procedure that enables your physician to examine the lining of the upper part of your gastrointestinal tract, i.e., the esophagus or swallowing tube, stomach, and duodenum or first portion of the small intestine using a thin flexible tube with its own lens and light source.

What preparation is required?

For the best and safest examination, the stomach must be completely empty. You should have nothing to eat or drink, including water, for approximately 6 hours before the examination. Your doctor will be more specific about the time to begin fasting, depending on the time of day that your test is scheduled.

It is best to inform your doctor of your current medications including over-the-counter pain relievers, vitamins, and herbal supplements. It is also important to inform your physician of any medication or latex allergies. Also, you should notify your physician if you are taking any blood thinners such as Aspirin, Coumadin, Plavix, Aggrenox, Ticlid, or Persantine.

Possible medication adjustments

Before the test, be sure to discuss with the physician whether you should adjust any of your usual medications before the procedure, any drug allergies you may have, and whether you have any other major diseases such as a heart or lung condition that might require special attention during the procedure.

Arrangements to get home after the test

If you are sedated, you will need to arrange to have someone accompany you to the facility, be available at the facility and drive you home after the procedure. Because sedatives temporarily affect your judgment and reflexes, you will not be allowed to drive or operate heavy equipment for the remainder of the day.

What can be expected during an upper endoscopy?

Your physician will review with you why upper endoscopy is being performed, whether any alternative tests are available and possible complications from the procedure. Practices may vary among physicians, but you may have your throat sprayed with a local anesthetic before the test begins and be given medication through a vein to help you relax during the test. While you are in a comfortable position on your left side, the endoscope is passed through the mouth and then into the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The endoscope does not interfere with your breathing during the test. Most patients consider the test to be only slightly uncomfortable and many patients fall asleep during the procedure.

What happens after an upper endoscopy?

After the test you will be monitored in the endoscopy recovery area until most of the effects of the medication have worn off. Your throat may be sore for a while. You may also feel bloated right after the procedure because of the air introduced into your stomach during the test. You will be able to resume your diet after you leave the procedure area unless you are instructed otherwise.

In most circumstances your physician will inform you of your test results on the day of the procedure; however, the results of any biopsies or cytology samples taken may take up to 7 to 10 days.

What are the possible complications of an upper endoscopy?

Endoscopy is generally safe. Complications can occur but are rare when the test is performed by physicians with specialized training and experience in this procedure. Bleeding may occur from a biopsy site or where a polyp was removed. It is usually minimal and rarely requires blood transfusions or surgery. Localized irritation of the vein where the medication was injected may cause a tender lump lasting for several weeks, but this will go away eventually. Applying heat packs or hot moist towels may help relieve discomfort. Other potential risks include a reaction to the sedatives used and complications from heart or lung diseases. Major complications such as perforation, a tear that might require surgery for repair, are fortunately very uncommon.

It is important for you to recognize early signs of any possible complication. After the test if you develop a fever, have trouble swallowing, or if you have increasing throat, chest, or abdominal pain, inform your physician immediately.

Find a Location in Your Area

Find a Location

Request an Appointment

What Our Patients Are Saying

The young man who registered me was excellent. I waited about 45 minutes and could not help but overhear how calmly and professionally he handled multiple complaints by walk-in patients. The complaints were not related to appointments but getting a response to inquiries about other issues. He just took it all in stride and seemed to calm the patient. Dr. Jones also patiently listened to my personal issues with communications with the practice. I appreciate his time and consideration.

Margaret N.

I would like to write a raving review for Sal! Over the years she has been EXTERMLY professional, her dedication to your patients goes above and beyond. She has been truly a pleasure to work with and we will miss her referring to use here at Michigan Medicine. I have often referred to her process and professionalism with many other outside referring offices. She will be missed! You I wish you nothing but the best Sal!!! Suzanne

Suzanne T.

Click Here

Staff at reception/checkout were professional & helpful. Medical Assistant was friendly & thorough. Dr. Ahmad was at his best as is the case with every visit. He is thorough, honest, empathetic, and always an excellent communicator/educator.

Kathy D.

Click Here

Great experience all-around! Very friendly staff and knowledgeable providers (both physician assistants and doctors) I see lots of people on here who are frustrated with phones and IT-related issues but as this is out of the employee’s hands I base my review off of the things that WERE in their control. They were kind, efficient and understanding.

Jo S.

Click Here

From my very first encounter at the front desk, to the discharge nurse after surgery, my experience was a good one. The staff all listened to my questions and concerns, and Dr. Julian is top-notch.

Cynthia S.

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, click their image or visit our providers page.

Daniel Coffey, MD

Dorian Jones, MD

Lucas Julien, MD

Janell Lee-Allen, MD

Razvan Opreanu, MD

Scott Plaehn, DO, FACOI

Albert Ross, MD

John Walling, Jr., DO, FACOI

Siaka Yusuf, MD

Our Locations

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?
If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.
What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?
An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If an Digestive Health Institute physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.
How do I get test results?
We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised. You may call 517-332-1200 and press “8″ and your call will be directed to the triage nurse.
What insurances do you accept?
Digestive Health Institute accepts payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 517-332-1200 #6.

What if I need to contact the doctor?
To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 517-332-1200. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours please call our answering service at 517-483-9124 and the doctor on call will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Related Content

Is a bleeding rectum a sign of food intolerance?

Is a bleeding rectum a sign of food intolerance?

Food intolerance is a term for when your body has a tougher time digesting certain foods than others. Some reactions may be mild, while others may be very intense. Whether a food intolerance presents itself as a risk to a patient is for a gastrointestinal specialist...

What is Bloating?

What is Bloating?

Bloating is the feeling of having a full stomach, and it is accompanied by a distended abdomen or an increase in the stomach’s size. Bloating typically involves the accumulation of gas in the intestines, resulting in swelling of the stomach. What are the causes of...

3 questions to ask your gastro specialist during your first visit

3 questions to ask your gastro specialist during your first visit

A gastrointestinal specialist is someone with extensive medical knowledge of the gastrointestinal system. They are professionals who are great resources for a variety of digestive disorders and gastrointestinal conditions. People with these issues can get diagnoses of...

Sign Up for Our Newsletter