EGD Instructions

Home

Patient Resources

EGD instructions

Instructions for Your EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy)

What is an EGD?

An EGD is a procedure that allows the physician to examine the esophagus, stomach (gastro) and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine leaving the stomach) by using a small flexible tube with a camera on the end.
An EGD is a safe and effective way for the physician to assess your upper gastrointestinal tract for possible diagnosis and treatment of your medical condition.
Medication will be given through an IV to help you relax and minimize discomfort. While lying on your left side, the gastroscope will be passed through your mouth in to the esophagus. The gastroscope is then passed into the stomach and small bowel. You may experience a gagging sensation at the beginning of the procedure and possibly minor throat irritation for several hours afterward.
Biopsies (small tissue samples) may be taken to have pathologist look for any abnormalities. Polyps (growths of tissue) may be found and removed and sent for pathologic examination. You will be notified of the pathology report in approximately two weeks.

Reasons to Have an EGD:

Difficulty swallowing
Removal of esophageal obstructions
Gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD)
Persistent nausea and vomiting
Acute or chronic gastrointestinal bleeding
Chronic abdominal or epigastric pain
Follow up examinations of Barrett’s Esophagus

It is your responsibility to check with your insurance carrier regarding coverage for this benefit.

One Week Before Your EGD:

Arrange for a driver for the date of the procedure.
You will not be allowed to drive, take a taxi or a bus home as you will receive sedation during the procedure.
Plan to be at the appointment for several hours and possibly longer.
Time of arrival will be determined closer to the date of the procedure and will be given to you during the Pre-procedure phone call (1-3 days prior to procedure).
The time of your procedure may change.
Please do not make other plans for the day of your procedure.

Medications:

Blood thinners are to be held a recommended number of days prior to your EGD.
Determine with your prescribing physician when to stop any prescribed blood thinners.Do NOT stop any medications without talking with your prescribing physician first. Examples are, but not limited to:
- Coumadin/Jantoven (Warfarin)
- Ticlid (Ticlidopine)
- Effient (Prasugrel)
- Pradaxa (Dabigatran)
- Eliquis (Apixaban)
- Xarelto (Rivaroxaban)
- Zontivity (Varapaxar)
- Plavix ( Clopidrogel)
- Brilinta (Ticagrelor)
You may continue Aspirin
A Mason City Surgery Center nurse will review your medications 1-3 days prior to your procedure during the Pre-procedure phone call. The nurse will give you instructions on what medication you should take the morning of the procedure.

Night Prior to Procedure:

Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

If you have any questions, please call us between 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday at 641-494-2000.

Find your Surgeon

What Our Mason City Patients Have to Say

I cannot adequately express how impressed and pleased I was with everyone and everything having to do with my surgery. All is top notch! I tell everyone that I do not understand why anyone would go anywhere else for their surgery. The staff and service treated you as a person….accommodating, caring.

All of your nursing staff were welcoming and relaxed. No hurrying to get done. They were thorough and professional. My physician was calm, gave me good eye contact at the beginning of the procedure. The atmosphere is one of warmth, caring and professionalism.

I cannot think of 1 thing to improve on at the Surgery Center. If there were 5′s on this survey, I would have circled all of them. I cannot brag enough about the Mason City Surgery Center. Everyone was so polite and courteous. The staff had their individual jobs to do and they did them well. In the future, if I have to have any procedures done, I will definitely plan to have them done at the Mason City Surgery Center. Thanks again to everyone who made my visit a pleasant one.

I would definitely recommend the Surgery Center. I counted 8 people I interacted with during my visit. Each one was very friendly and professional. The nurse was amazing. She reduced my stress level, answered all my questions and even stopped by the tell me, "You've got this."

The team at Mason City Surgery Center is amazing! Words can't express how comfortable I felt when my 4 year old had surgery there. I knew he was in great hands from check-in to discharge. We will always have surgery here when needed!

I had a great experience at MC Surgical Center. The nurses and Doctor were all very kind, professional and helpful and made the very best experience considering I was there for a colonoscopy. They made sure I was always comfortable. I have nothing but good things to say about about how nicely I was treated.

I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Mason City Surgery Center. I live within 1 mile of a major medical facility, but I will drive the 45 minutes to Mason City. The calls to update me on the results, the check in care calls, paperwork, billing and reception meets each patient so amazingly. Thank you to every single person that touches the paperwork and the care for myself and family. You are truly the best at what you all do.

I was fortune to be able to have my shoulder surgery at the Mason City Surgery Center today. My medical staff was excellent with my care, and was able to even deal with my sense of humor likes champs. Thank you for the care I received, along with the excellent communication on how to proceed forward with the healing.

This is the third procedure I have done at the surgery center everyone I interact with is Awesome! Not one negative experience.

The care I received was beyond great. Everyone was friendly & helpful. Glad to be a patient here!

641-494-2000

Mason City Surgery Center, 990 4th Street S.W., Mason City, Iowa 50401

Directions