Monday, June 04, 2012

EGD - esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy; Upper endoscopy; Gastroscopy


What the risks are

There is a small chance of perforation (hole) of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. There is also a small risk of bleeding at the biopsy site. A patient could have an adverse reaction to the anesthetic, medication, or tranquilizer. This reaction could cause:

  • Apnea (not breathing)
  • Bradycardia
  • Excessive sweating
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • Laryngospasm (spasm of the larynx)
  • Respiratory depression (difficulty breathing)

The overall risk is less than 1 out of 1,000 people.


Special considerations

If you develop any of the following after the test, contact the health care provider:

  • Black stools
  • Blood in vomit
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Fever
  • Pain

Review Date: 10/15/2009
Reviewed By: Todd Eisner, MD, Private practice specializing in Gastroenterology, Boca Raton, FL, Clinical Instructor, Florida Atlantic University School of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)