Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

What kind of outcome is typical for EGD surgery?

An EGD procedure is typically used to diagnose and evaluate a variety of gastrointestinal issues and in some cases the surgeon may be able to provide definitive treatment.

What are the risks of not having EGD surgery?

If your doctor recommends EGD surgery and you don’t have it, you risk a gastrointestinal issue going undiagnosed and symptoms continuing for longer than they need to.

What are the alternatives to EGD surgery?

Before you decide on EGD as a way to diagnose your gastrointestinal problems, your doctor may discuss and consider other imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans taken from outside the body.

What are possible side effects and complications of EGD surgery?

While they’re rare, some of the possible complications of this procedure include allergic reactions to the sedative, digestive tract bleeding or infection, or perforation in the digestive tract lining.

How safe is EGD surgery?

EGD is a relatively safe procedure, and potential complications are rare. You should also know that Hancock Regional Hospital has been rated one of the safest hospitals in America by El grupo Leapfrog, una organización nacional de vigilancia de la atención médica sin fines de lucro; y fue nombrado el hospital más seguro de Indiana en el Índice de hospitales del Lown Institute.

How do I know EGD is right for me?

Your gastroenterologist may use EGD to evaluate abdominal pain, heartburn, persistent nausea or vomiting, difficulty swallowing, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, chest pain, or a bloody stool. 

Do I have options for anesthesia for EGD surgery?

EGD surgery can be done under MAC, which stands for Monitored Anesthesia Care. This sedation method is performed by anesthesia professional who is in the room with the gastroenterologist and a nurse or technician.

What issue does EGD surgery solve?

A doctor may order an EGD procedure to help diagnose gastrointestinal issues and/or to control upper digestive tract bleeding, stretch narrowed digestive tracts, or remove polyps, tumors, or swallowed objects.

How is an EGD done?

You will lie on your side during the procedure. A surgeon administers a numbing spray to your throat and inserts a mouthguard to protect your teeth. The endoscope is guided through your mouth and into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Air is pumped through the endoscope to make it easier to see the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Images from the endoscope are viewed on a video monitor while looking for concerns and/or performing treatments.

What happens if my symptoms get worse while I wait for EGD surgery?

Your surgical team will evaluate the situation and help you make a choice that’s right for you and your health. Temporary treatments might be used if your surgery is rescheduled. 

Why might I have to wait to schedule EGD surgery?

In some cases it takes time for a patient’s body to be ready for surgery. For example, if you have another medical issue, including another surgical procedure or an illness, we might wait to schedule surgery. Your health and safety are our top priorities, so we schedule surgeries when they’re best for our patients.

¿El equipo quirúrgico conocerá mi historial médico?

Su historial médico se compilará y estará disponible para el equipo antes, durante y después de la cirugía. Si es paciente de Hancock Health, podremos acceder a sus registros dentro de nuestro sistema. Si no es así, trabajaremos con sus médicos para obtener la información necesaria. 

¿Cómo debo decidir qué consejo del cirujano seguir?

Debe trabajar con el cirujano con el que se sienta cómodo, ya sea uno de nuestros cirujanos o no. 

Do I have to get a second or third opinion for EGD surgery?

Siempre puede obtener una segunda o tercera opinión, pero no es obligatoria. 

What should I bring to my first appointment with a surgeon to talk about EGD surgery?

You should bring insurance information, medical records, including your medical history from your primary care physician. You should also bring your most recent diagnostic labs and imaging (Not sure where to go? Check out Salud Hancock, donde podrá entrar y salir rápidamente y pagar, en promedio, 70% menos de lo que pagaría en un hospital).

Do I need a referral to see a surgeon about EGD surgery?

Your health insurance provider may require you to get a referral from your primary care provider to see a surgeon about EGD surgery.

¿Cuánto tiempo tarda en desaparecer el efecto de la anestesia?

It may take several hours for the effects of sedation with MAC to wear off. For your safety, do not drive or operate any machinery that could be dangerous until the medicine wears off.

What do I need to bring to the hospital the day of my EGD surgery?

Although EGD is typically an outpatient procedure, consider bringing anything you’ll need for an overnight stay, including a change of underwear, a sweatshirt, glasses or contacts, headphones, and your medications.

¿Por qué me preguntan mi nombre y fecha de nacimiento cada vez que recibo medicamentos?

Es una medida de seguridad asegurarse de que está recibiendo el medicamento que le recetaron.

¿Por qué hay tanta gente en mi equipo quirúrgico?

Además del cirujano, cuenta con un anestesiólogo, enfermeras (algunas de ellas se especializan en trabajar con pacientes y otras ayudan al cirujano) y personal de apoyo, que lo controlan al entrar y salir, compilar sus registros y más. Todos trabajan juntos, realizando sus trabajos individuales, para que el procedimiento sea lo más exitoso posible. 

Will I need someone to take me home after EGD surgery?

Por su seguridad y la de otros conductores, necesitará que alguien lo lleve a casa. Si no tiene transporte, lo ayudaremos a organizar uno.

What should I expect right before EGD surgery?

• Llegará varias horas antes de la cirugía y lo acompañarán a la sala de espera preoperatoria.
• You’ll remove all of your clothing and jewelry and put on a hospital gown. (Your valuables will be placed in a secure area or may be given to a family member.) 
• Firmará todos los documentos necesarios y una enfermera preoperatoria tomará sus signos vitales, revisará sus medicamentos y responderá cualquier pregunta.
• You’ll meet your anesthesiologist and the members of your surgery team.
• An I.V. (intravenous line) will be placed in your hand or arm, so medications—including anesthesia—can be administered.
• Cuando llegue el momento de la cirugía, lo trasladarán al quirófano en una camilla.

¿Por qué no puedo comer antes de la cirugía?

Existe el riesgo de aspiración, lo que significa inhalar objetos extraños, como comida o saliva, en los pulmones. Esto puede ocurrir porque el anestésico para la cirugía puede afectar la capacidad del cuerpo para impedir que el contenido del estómago ingrese a los pulmones. 

How should I prepare for this EGD surgery?

You’ll probably be instructed not to eat anything after midnight on the day of your surgery, and you might also be told to stop taking certain medications or dietary supplements.

How long will I be in the hospital after EGD surgery?

Patients are typically released on the same day as their EGD surgery. 

How long will the EGD procedure take?

EGD surgery typically takes 30 minutes to one hour. 

¿Cuándo se informará a mi familia sobre cómo estoy?

Nuestros asociados obtendrán información del equipo quirúrgico en el quirófano durante su cirugía y la mantendrán actualizada. 

What will happen during EGD surgery?

You’ll breathe oxygen through a breathing tube and your team will track your vital signs as the surgery is performed.

Will I need to fill any prescriptions or take medication after EGD surgery?

You may be prescribed pain medication or other symptom-reducing medications.

How soon after EGD surgery can I eat or drink?

Es posible que no pueda comer ni beber de inmediato y es posible que le pidan que siga una dieta de líquidos claros durante uno a tres días. Después de eso, puede volver a consumir alimentos sólidos, pero se recomiendan productos fáciles de digerir, como sopas, pudines y yogur.

Will I receive pain medication right after EGD surgery?

En la mayoría de los casos, los pacientes reciben analgésicos inmediatamente después de la cirugía.

How soon after EGD surgery will I be up and moving around?

You’ll be up and moving around shortly after your surgery. 

¿Cuándo podré hablar con mi cirujano después de la cirugía?

Podrá hablar con su cirujano inmediatamente después del procedimiento, mientras esté en la sala de recuperación.

How will I know if EGD surgery worked?

Your surgeon will discuss your procedure with you. You may notice some gas and discomfort for one to two days after surgery.

What can I expect right after EGD surgery?

You’ll wake up from surgery in the recovery room and, as you start to regain feeling in your body, you’ll receive pain medication. After leaving the recovery room, you’ll be taken to your hospital room where you will be able to see friends or family who came with you. 

What are payment options like for EGD surgery at Hancock Health?

Hancock Health se compromete a ayudar a que una atención excelente sea asequible para todos los pacientes. Para obtener más información sobre las opciones de pago, visite la página de preguntas frecuentes sobre facturación y seguros en HancockRegionalHospital.org.

Will Medicare cover EGD surgery?

Medicare parts A and B will cover the cost of EGD surgery, but it’s important for your doctor to indicate that the surgery is medically necessary. 

Will insurance cover EGD surgery?

In most cases, insurance will cover most of the costs associated with EGD surgery. To obtain your possible out-of-pocket expenses, use our Herramienta de estimación de precios.

How much does EGD surgery cost?

Consulta el Herramienta de transparencia de precios at HancockRegionalHospital.org for an idea of how much EGD surgery might cost.