Upper Endoscopy (EGD)

CALL TO SCHEDULE (937) 578-2020

An Upper Endoscopy (EGD) is a procedure where a long, thin camera is used to examine your upper digestive tract – a variety of instruments can be passed through this camera if needed to assist with stretching narrowed spaces, removing swallowed objects, or identifying and controlling bleeding.

Who needs an EGD?

Your doctor may recommend an EGD if you experience persistent upper digestive tract issues – such as pain, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or bleeding.

What are the risks?

An EGD is a safe, minimally invasive procedure. While it is rare, there’s a small chance of complications such as bleeding, infection, a tear in the upper digestive tract, or a reaction to the sedative. Before your procedure, your doctor will talk with you about these risks and answer any questions you might have – helping you feel confident, informed, and at ease.

Will I be sedated?

Yes! You will have sedative medications through an IV that will allow you to sleep through your procedure. You will still be breathing on your own, and most patients have little or no memory of the procedure.

CALL TO SCHEDULE (937) 578-2020

What to expect when you schedule your EGD

• A referral from your primary care provider or a specialist is required.
• Central Scheduling will reach out to you via phone within two business days of receiving the referral to schedule your EGD.
• During this phone call:
  • You will verify your personal and insurance information. Please have your insurance card available.
  • We encourage you to call your insurance company, to ensure your EGD is a covered benefit of your plan. During the call, Central Scheduling can provide specific diagnostic and procedure code information to you.
• If your insurance changes prior to the date of service, please call Central Scheduling at (937) 578-2020, as soon as possible to notify them of the change. Our team will need the name of your plan, effective date, subscriber ID, and subscriber name.
  • For future ease, we recommend uploading your insurance card to your MyChart account.
• Central Scheduling will follow-up with you via phone three weeks prior to your EGD, to validate insurance information and confirm the date of the procedure.
• Once confirmed, you will receive MyChart messages that serve as reminders leading up to your EGD.

Preparing for Your EGD

There are several steps in the EGD preparation process – 14 days prior, 5 days prior, 2 days prior, and the day of your procedure. Below, we’ve provided guidance on medications, procedure prep, and additional information to ensure you’re ready for your procedure.

Weeks Before Your EGD

Prescribed Medication Recommendations

14 days prior to your procedure, stop taking:

• Adipex
• GLP1’s/Semaglutides
  • Exanetide (Byett, Bydureon)
  • Lixidenatide (Adlyxin)
  • Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus)
  • Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza)
  • Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
  • Tirzepatide (Mounjaro)

If you take GLP1’s or oral medications for weight loss or diabetes – you will need to start a clear liquid diet 24 hours prior to your procedure.

Blood Thinner Recommendations

Check with your prescribing physician for instructions if you take blood thinners.

5 days prior to your procedure, patients usually stop taking:

• Clopidogrel (PLAVIX)
• Warfarin (COUMADIN)
• Prasugrel (EFFIENT)

2 days prior to your procedure, patients usually stop taking:

• Apixabaan (ELIQUIS)
• Rivaroxaban (XARELTO)
• Dabigatran (PRADAXA)

Over-the-Counter Medication Recommendations

5 days prior to your procedure, stop taking:

• Advil
• Aleve
• Ascriptin
• Celebrex
• Clinoril
• Diclofenac
• Empirin
• Feldene
• Ibuprofen
• Indocin
• Indomethacin
• Medipren
• Motrin
• Naprosyn
• Nuprin
• Piroxicam
• Sulindac

The Day Before Your EGD

Dietary Restrictions

You can eat and drink the day before your procedure, but you must stop by 11:59pm – this includes gum, mints, or any tobacco products.

If you take GLP1’s or oral medications for weight loss or diabetes – you will need to start a clear liquid diet 24 hours before your procedure.

The Day of Your EGD

Your procedure will be DELAYED or CANCELED if you eat or drink anything after midnight. This includes gum, mints, or any tobacco products.

• Take heart, blood pressure, and seizure medications with a small sip of water the morning of your procedure – complete this at least 3 hours before your procedure in order to be eligible to receive anesthesia.
• If you are diabetic, DO NOT take your diabetic medication the morning of your procedure and please check your blood sugar level.
• Arrive at your designated procedure location one hour and 15 minutes prior to your procedure.
• You must be accompanied by an adult at the time of your procedure.
• One visitor is permitted in the preoperative area (no children).
• You must have someone to drive you home.
• Bring your insurance card and a valid photo ID.
• If you have a Living Will, Durable Power of Attorney for Healthcare, or a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR), please bring them with you.
• If you have an implanted stimulator, you must bring the remote device to turn the stimulator on/off with you on the day of your procedure.
• Bring a list of your current medications with you.
• Remember the following:
  • Leave valuables at home including jewelry, money, etc.
  • Remove contacts and/or dentures or bring a case to put them in during your procedure.

Transportation Arrangements
Make arrangements for a responsible adult driver to accompany you on the day of your procedure and to drive you home. You can expect 2-4 hours after check-in. If your driver cannot be confirmed when you arrive, we will not be able to provide sedation, and your procedure may need to be rescheduled.

After Your EGD

You may not drive/operate heavy equipment or power tools the day of your EGD.

You may return to work and all other activities the following day without restrictions.

You may experience throat soreness or feel slightly bloated afterward – but, if you notice increased pain and bloating, call your provider. If it is after-hours, you can ask to speak to the provider on-call. If you’re experiencing a more minor issue, you can call and talk to one of the nurses during business hours the next day. However, if you have sudden severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or are feeling increasingly sick or lightheaded, you should call 911 and be taken to the emergency room right away.