What happens during an EGD?
Upper GI endoscopy is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Your throat may be anesthetized be a spray or liquid. A needle for intravenous medication will be placed in a vein in your arm prior to the procedure. Medicine will be injected through this needle that will make you sleepy and relaxed. As you lie on your side, the doctor will insert a small mouthpiece. You will be able to breathe easily throughout the exam. The doctor will examine the lining of your stomach, esophagus, and duodenum. A biopsy (tiny bit of tissue) may be taken for microscopic analysis. You will not feel any discomfort when the biopsy is performed. The procedure takes 15-30 minutes. Many people do not recall any of the procedure.
