An upper endoscopy in Northern Virginia is a common outpatient procedure that lets a gastroenterologist look directly at the lining of your upper digestive tract. Also called an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), it examines the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. For many people the idea of an endoscopy feels intimidating, mostly because of the unknowns. This guide explains what an EGD is, why it is done, and what actually happens before, during, and after the exam, so you can make an informed decision with your physician.
This article is general education, not medical advice. Your own evaluation and any procedure should be planned with a gastroenterologist who knows your history.
What an upper endoscopy is
An upper endoscopy is an exam that uses a thin, flexible tube with a small camera and light at the tip, called an endoscope, to view the upper digestive tract. The physician guides the endoscope gently through the mouth and down the esophagus, then into the stomach and the beginning of the small intestine, called the duodenum. Because the camera sends a live image to a screen, your gastroenterologist can see irritation, inflammation, bleeding, narrowing, or other changes that may not show up on other tests. According to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, an EGD is one of the most precise ways to evaluate symptoms in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, and it can be both diagnostic and therapeutic in the same visit.
Why an upper endoscopy is done
An EGD is used to find the cause of symptoms that have not been explained by other testing, and to follow conditions over time. Common reasons a gastroenterologist may recommend an upper endoscopy in Northern Virginia include ongoing heartburn or acid reflux that does not respond to treatment, difficulty or pain with swallowing, persistent nausea or vomiting, upper abdominal pain, and signs of bleeding in the upper digestive tract. An EGD can also help evaluate unexplained weight loss or anemia when the cause is not clear. The goal is to look directly at the lining so your physician can understand what is happening rather than rely on symptoms alone.
Conditions an EGD helps evaluate
An upper endoscopy is often part of the workup for several digestive conditions. It can help a physician assess gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD and acid reflux, when reflux is frequent or bothersome. It is the only way to diagnose Barrett's esophagus, a change in the esophageal lining that can develop after years of reflux and that has no symptoms of its own, which is why direct examination and biopsy matter. An EGD is also used to look for ulcers in the stomach or duodenum, inflammation such as gastritis or esophagitis, and narrowing of the esophagus that can make swallowing difficult. Your gastroenterologist will explain which of these the exam is meant to evaluate in your situation.
Taking biopsies during the procedure
One advantage of an upper endoscopy is that the physician can take small tissue samples, called biopsies, during the same exam. A biopsy is collected by passing a tiny instrument through the endoscope, and most people do not feel it. The samples are sent to a laboratory to be examined under a microscope, which can help confirm conditions such as Barrett's esophagus, celiac disease, an H. pylori infection, or inflammation, and can identify the type of any gastric polyps found during the exam. Because an EGD can both look and take samples in one step, it often answers questions that imaging alone cannot. Your care team will review any biopsy results with you and explain the next steps.
What to expect before an upper endoscopy
Preparing for an EGD is usually simpler than preparing for a colonoscopy. The most important step is to have an empty stomach so the physician can see clearly and the exam is safer, so you will be asked not to eat or drink for a set number of hours beforehand, often starting the night before. Your care team will give you specific instructions about food, drink, and any medications, including blood thinners or diabetes medicines, which sometimes need to be adjusted. Tell the office about your medications, allergies, and any health conditions ahead of time. Following the prep instructions closely helps your appointment go smoothly, and if anything is unclear it is wise to call the office before your appointment rather than guessing.
What to expect during the procedure
An upper endoscopy is typically a short outpatient procedure, often taking about 15 to 30 minutes. In most cases you will receive sedation through an intravenous line to help you relax and stay comfortable, and many people remember little of the exam afterward. You will lie on your side, and a small mouthguard may be used to protect your teeth and the endoscope. The physician gently passes the endoscope and examines the lining of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, taking biopsies or photos as needed. Because the endoscope is thin and flexible, it does not interfere with your breathing. Your comfort and safety are monitored closely throughout the exam by the care team.
What to expect after the procedure
After an EGD you will rest in a recovery area until the sedation begins to wear off, usually a short time. Because the sedation can affect your judgment and reflexes for the rest of the day, you will need someone to drive you home, and you should plan to rest rather than work or make important decisions. Some people notice a mild sore throat or bloating for a little while, which usually settles on its own. Most people are able to return to normal activity and eating the next day, following any instructions from the care team. Your gastroenterologist will discuss what was seen during the exam, and if biopsies were taken, the office will contact you with results and recommendations.
Where an upper endoscopy is performed in Northern Virginia
The physicians at Gastroenterology Center of Northern Virginia perform upper endoscopy at VHC Health, Inova Fairfax Hospital, and the Woodburn Endoscopy Center. These accredited endoscopy sites are equipped for safe sedation and monitoring, with a team focused on outpatient procedures. We see patients at two offices, one in Arlington next to VHC Health and one in Annandale in the Woodburn Medical complex, which keeps care close to home for people across Arlington, Annandale, Fairfax, Falls Church, McLean, and the surrounding Northern Virginia communities.
Scheduling an upper endoscopy in Northern Virginia
If your symptoms have not been explained or have not improved with treatment, an upper endoscopy in Northern Virginia may help your physician understand what is happening and plan the right next step. To schedule an EGD or a consultation, contact our Arlington office at (703) 522-7476 or our Annandale office at (703) 560-6106, or learn more at gcofnova.com. If you are also considering colorectal screening, our guide to what to expect during a colonoscopy in Northern Virginia may be helpful as well. You can also read more about upper endoscopy from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
Frequently asked questions about upper endoscopy in Northern Virginia
How long does an upper endoscopy take?
The exam itself is usually short, often about 15 to 30 minutes. You should plan for additional time for check-in, sedation, and recovery, so the full appointment generally takes a few hours from arrival to discharge.
Will I be asleep during an EGD?
Most upper endoscopies are done with sedation given through an intravenous line, so people are relaxed and comfortable and often remember little of the exam. Because of the sedation, you will need someone to drive you home afterward.
How should I prepare for an upper endoscopy?
The main step is an empty stomach, so you will be asked not to eat or drink for a set number of hours beforehand. Your care team will give specific instructions and may adjust certain medications. Following the instructions closely helps the exam go smoothly.
Where is an upper endoscopy performed in Northern Virginia?
Gastroenterology Center of Northern Virginia performs upper endoscopy at VHC Health, Inova Fairfax Hospital, and the Woodburn Endoscopy Center, with offices in Arlington and Annandale.
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Talk with a qualified gastroenterologist about your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
