Upper Endoscopy (EGD) in Louisville, KY

An upper endoscopy, or EGD, lets the physician see the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine directly, which is how reflux damage, ulcers and swallowing problems get diagnosed rather than guessed at. Anand Gupta, MD, FACG performs EGD at the outpatient endoscopy center in Louisville. Call 502 893 7744.

What an EGD Is

EGD stands for esophagogastroduodenoscopy, which names the three areas examined: the esophagus, the stomach and the duodenum. A thin flexible endoscope with a camera is passed through the mouth while you are sedated. The physician sees the lining directly on a high definition monitor rather than inferring what is happening from symptoms alone.

It is both a diagnostic and a treatment procedure. In the same appointment the physician can take biopsies, remove polyps, stop bleeding and dilate a narrowed passage (esophageal dilation).

Diagnostic Tool — Louisville, KY — Surgery Center of Kentucky

Diagnostic Tool

It helps diagnose and investigate gastrointestinal conditions, including ulcers, inflammation, and tumors.

Treatment and Intervention — Louisville, KY — Surgery Center of Kentucky

Treatment and Intervention

Endoscopy can be used for therapeutic purposes, such as removing polyps, stopping bleeding, and dilating narrowed passages.

Preventive Care — Louisville, KY — Surgery Center of Kentucky

Preventive Care

Routine endoscopy can detect issues early, reducing the risk of complications and improving overall health.

Reasons You May Need One

  • Persistent heartburn or reflux that has not settled on medication, where the question is whether the esophageal lining has been damaged
  • Difficulty swallowing, or food that catches on the way down, which has several possible causes and always needs looking at
  • Upper abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting that has continued without an explanation
  • Suspected ulcer or bleeding, including unexplained anemia
  • Monitoring a known condition such as Barrett's esophagus, where periodic examination is part of the care plan
  • Unexplained weight loss, which always warrants investigation

What Happens on the Day

You will be asked not to eat or drink for a set period beforehand, and the office gives you the exact timing along with the EGD prep form. Sedation is given so you are comfortable, and most patients remember little or nothing of the procedure itself. The endoscope is passed through the mouth, the lining is examined, and any biopsy, polyp removal or dilation is carried out at the same time. A routine examination is usually at the shorter end of a 15 to 60 minute range, and takes longer when treatment is carried out. Monitored recovery follows.

Because of the sedation you cannot drive afterward. Arrange a ride home before the appointment.

Afterward

A mildly sore throat for a day is common, as is some bloating. Most people eat normally the same day once the sedation has worn off and return to usual activity the next. If biopsies were taken, the office contacts you with the results and any next step.

Unexplained Symptoms

If you're experiencing persistent symptoms like abdominal pain, bleeding, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss, an endoscopy can help determine the cause.

Monitoring Chronic Conditions

For individuals with conditions like Barrett's esophagus or Crohn's disease, regular endoscopy can help monitor the condition and initiate timely treatment.

Screening and Preventive Care

In some cases, endoscopy is a screening tool to detect conditions such as colorectal cancer early.

Where It Is Done and What It Costs

The procedure is performed in an outpatient surgery center rather than a hospital outpatient department, which generally means a shorter day and a lower facility charge. The practice accepts Medicare, Kentucky and Indiana Medicaid, Aetna, Anthem, Baptist Health Network, Humana, Passport by Molina Healthcare, TRICARE and UnitedHealthcare. Patients come from across Louisville and from New Albany, Jeffersonville and Clarksville in Southern Indiana. Where symptoms involve both ends of the digestive tract, an EGD and a colonoscopy in Louisville can often be scheduled for the same day. Get in touch with the office or call 502 893 7744.

When to Call Us Afterward

Call the office straight away, or go to an emergency room if the office is closed, if you have chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe or worsening abdominal pain, a fever, black or bloody vomit, or you cannot swallow at all. A mildly sore throat and some bloating are expected. Those symptoms are not.

This page is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Speak to Dr. Gupta about your own situation.