What is an endoscopy?

-An upper endoscopy, also called en esophago-gastroduodenoscopy or an EGD is a procedure that allows us to view the mucosal lining of the upper intestinal tract which includes esophagus, stomach and duodenum.

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Why would an endoscopy be needed?

-Dr. Aviles and Dr. Tenembaum use upper endoscopy to evaluate for symptoms of abdominal pain, acid reflux, heartburn, abdominal pain, chest pain. difficulty with swallowing, nausea, vomiting and bleeding as well as causes for anemia. An EGD can detect inflammation, infections, tumors, ulcers and anatomical abnormalities such as hernias and outlet obstructions. 

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How is an endoscopy performed?

-The procedure is performed using an endoscopy which is a long thin flexible tube with a light and a tiny video camera attached to the end which transmits the image to a monitor. 

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-Before the procedure begins you will be given a fast active sedative through an IV and a small mouth-guard to prevent damage to your teeth and scope. Once you are asleep the procedure will begin and we will gently advance the scope into your mouth, slowly and gently through your esophagus and into your stomach and duodenum. The time from start to finish is around 10-20 minutes depending on the findings, During the exam we will likely take tissue samples called biopsies which will help us distinguish benign, pre-cancerous and cancerous tissue as well as rule out Helicobacter Pylori, the bacterium that commonly leads to ulcers and stomach pain. During the entire procedure, you will feel no pain or discomfort.

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-After the endoscopy, you will be taken to out recovery area and will be monitored as the sedative begins to wear off. During this period, you may feel slightly groggy and mild abdominal bloating which will go away on its own after a very short period of time. When you receive the results will depend on your situation, it is likely you will have to wait a few days to for complete results with tissue findings as this process takes our pathologist and laboratory 5-7 days.