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"EGD" or  esophagogastroduodenoscopy, is a test performed to examine the structure of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (first part of small intestine). In order to do the test, you must fast overnight. An IV will be inserted into a vein so that sedative medication can be given. After you are asleep, a thin flexible tube with a tiny camera will be placed into your mouth and then into the esophagus. Since you will be asleep you will not gag or vomit. The doctor doing the test will be able to see your esophagus, stomach and upper small intestine. Biopsies can be done if necessary (you have no pain nerves here so it won't hurt and you won't be sore afterward). This is the best test to look for ulcers, inflammation of the esophagus, stomach, etc.  The sedation time is usually five to ten minutes, the endoscopy takes five to fifteen minutes and the recovery (i.e. waking up time) is twenty to thirty minutes.

This test is performed to examine the structure of the colon or large intestine. This test is the best test to look for cancer and polyps and will discover over 95% of these lesions (barium enemas will miss 15%-20%). If a polyp is found, it can be removed at the same time; this is painless since you have no pain nerves in the lining of your colon. Biopsies can also be done if a mass is found or if colitis (inflammation) is suspected. As with the upper endoscopy, an IV is placed so that sedation can be given. The test generally takes thirty to sixty minutes and the waking up time is twenty to thirty minutes. This is not a painful test if done properly! The only time this test is painful is if the doctor doesn't give you enough sedation. The colon must be very clean to do the test and therefore must be cleansed completely beforehand.

"ERCP" or endoscopic retrograde pancreatico-cholangiography is a test performed to examine and possibly treat the biliary and pancreatic diseases. In order to do the test, you must fast overnight. An IV will be inserted into a vein so that sedative medication can be given. After you are asleep, a thin flexible tube with a tiny camera will be placed into your mouth and then into the esophagus. Since you will be asleep you will not gag or vomit. The doctor doing the test will be able to see your esophagus, stomach and upper small intestine. Biopsies can be done if necessary (you have no pain nerves here so it won't hurt and you won't be sore afterward). This is the best test to look for ulcers, inflammation of the esophagus, stomach, etc.  The sedation time is usually five to ten minutes, the endoscopy takes five to fifteen minutes and the recovery (i.e. waking up time) is twenty to thirty minutes.

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