Advanced upper endoscopy for GERD and esophageal disorders in Los Angeles

Upper Endoscopy (EGD) for Diagnosis and Treatment

Upper endoscopy (EGD: esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy) visualizes your esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine. This minimally invasive procedure diagnoses and treats conditions causing reflux, swallowing difficulty, abdominal pain, and other upper GI symptoms.

Our physicians use high-definition equipment and advanced techniques to provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

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Common Reasons for Upper Endoscopy

  • GERD and chronic heartburn
  • Swallowing difficulty or dysphagia
  • Ulcers and ulcer complications
  • Barrett’s esophagus evaluation
  • Gastritis and esophagitis
  • Unexplained nausea or vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • GI bleeding
  • Suspicious lesions or abnormal growths
  • H. pylori infection confirmation

What to Expect

Preparation
– Fasting 4+ hours before procedure
– Throat numbing spray or anesthetic
– IV sedation for comfort

During Procedure
– Endoscope passes through mouth into esophagus
– Air insufflation provides visualization
– Tissue samples obtained if needed
– Therapeutic interventions performed if indicated
– Typically 10-20 minutes

After Procedure
– Recovery period with monitoring
– Temporary sore throat (normal)
– Discharge with driver
– Results discussed within days

Advanced Diagnostic Capabilities

Our upper endoscopy procedures include:

– High-definition visualization
– Biopsy sampling for pathologic diagnosis
– Treatment of bleeding lesions
– Stricture management
– Polyp removal
– Tissue assessment for Barrett’s esophagus
– H. pylori testing

Safety and Comfort Prioritization

We prioritize patient comfort and safety through:

– Conscious sedation for amnesia and relaxation
– Continuous cardiac monitoring
– Experienced nursing team
– Post-procedure support
– Clear communication about findings

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need an endoscopy if my acid reflux is “just reflux”?

Chronic reflux can cause precancerous changes (Barrett’s esophagus) or other damage not visible from symptoms alone. Endoscopy visualizes the actual esophageal lining, allowing assessment of damage severity and identification of concerning changes.

Will I gag during the procedure?

Throat numbing spray and sedation minimize the gag reflex. Most sedated patients don’t remember gagging or don’t feel it significantly. Tell your physician about severe gag reflex concerns beforehand.

How long does recovery take?

Physical recovery is rapid—most people feel normal within hours. Sedation effects wear off within a few hours, though we recommend not driving for 24 hours. Return to normal diet within hours of procedure.

Are biopsies painful?

No. Your esophagus and stomach have no pain sensation to touch. You won’t feel biopsy samples being taken. Minor bleeding is possible but usually minimal.

Can endoscopy treat problems or just diagnose?

Both. While many endoscopies are diagnostic, we can treat many conditions during the same procedure including bleeding lesions, stricture dilation, and polyp removal.

What if the endoscopy finds Barrett’s esophagus?

Barrett’s esophagus requires monitoring and treatment to prevent progression to cancer. We’ll develop a management plan including monitoring frequency and interventions to halt progression.