What are the possible risks, discomforts, and inconveniences?
In EGD, a flexible tube-like instrument is inserted down your throat and into your stomach. This is a common procedure performed in the hospital or doctor’s office. You may experience mild discomfort due to gagging while the tube is passed down your throat. You may receive medicine to numb your throat before the EGD. Rarely, the medicine causes an allergic reaction or irritation to your mouth or throat. You will receive medicine to help you relax during the EGD. An allergic reaction may also occur from this medicine. Severe allergic reactions could be life-threatening. This medicine can also cause other problems. These problems include excessive sleepiness, slowed breathing, or low blood pressure during the EGD. Most patients have little or no difficulty swallowing the tube during the EGD. EGD rarely causes mild sore throat, chest pain or discomfort, or painful or difficult swallowing. Medicines may ease these problems. Rare risks of EGD include aspiration, bleeding, or perforation. As
