03136--Upper Endoscopy (EGD) Consent Patient Education
Handout File:
Upper Endoscopy (EGD) Consent Patient Education
Before your procedure begins, a member of our team will ask you to sign an informed consent indicating that you understand the procedure. An informed consent is when you, the patient or legal representative, are able to show that you understand why a treatment or procedure is needed, how it will be performed, and any possible risks.
What is an upper endoscopy (EGD)?
Using a small, flexible tube, your doctor will examine the upper part of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This includes the esophagus, stomach, and the duodenum. An upper endoscopy is also known as an EGD (Esophago-Gastro-Duodenscopy).
Why did my doctor recommend an EGD?
An EGD is the best test for finding the cause of bleeding in your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It is more accurate than an x-ray for detecting inflammation, ulcers, and tumors of the upper GI tract. This test can help your doctor evaluate for symptom of nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
What are the risks of an EGD?
The risks associated with an upper endoscopy are rare. Serious complications include:
- Injury from the scope or removal of a polyp during the EGD may cause bleeding during or after the procedure.
- A tear or a hole (perforation) in the gastrointestinal tract lining requiring surgical care.
- Infection
- Aspiration that may lead to a lung infection (pneumonia).
- A reaction to the sedating medication, including breathing or heart problems.
- Sedation or complications from the EGD may cause injury to an unborn baby.
- Notify the doctor or staff if you are, or could be, pregnant.
Risks are higher in people taking steroids or anti-coagulation medicines, or in people that have significant underlying diseases. There is also a risk that cancer or polyps will not be detected. Contact your doctor if you notice severe abdominal pain, fever and chills, or rectal bleeding after your procedure.
What are the alternatives?
Other imaging tests such as x-rays and CT scans are the only alternatives to an EGD. An EGD is the only test that will allow the doctor to remove tissue for further testing.