An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), or upper endoscopy, is a procedure used to examine the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This minimally invasive procedure uses a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope, equipped with a light and camera, passed through the mouth to view the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine, the duodenum. The EGD provides valuable insight for diagnosing conditions like ulcers, inflammation, and sources of bleeding. While the examination itself is relatively quick, the total time commitment for a patient—from arrival to safe discharge—typically lasts between two and three hours. Understanding this timeline helps patients prepare.
The Preparation Phase
A patient’s timeline begins with the preparation phase, typically requiring 30 to 60 minutes from arrival. This process often takes longer than the actual examination. Upon checking in, administrative tasks like reviewing paperwork, confirming consent forms, and verifying medical history are completed. Clinical preparation involves changing into a gown, consulting with a nurse or anesthesiologist, and having monitoring equipment placed. An intravenous (IV) line is inserted to administer sedation. The medical team reviews the patient’s vital signs to establish a baseline, followed by the administration of moderate sedation, designed to ensure the patient is relaxed with little memory of the examination.
Duration of the Procedure Itself
The time the endoscope is actively inside the patient is short compared to the overall facility stay. A standard diagnostic EGD usually requires only 5 to 15 minutes to complete. During this brief window, the gastroenterologist guides the endoscope through the upper GI tract, carefully inspecting the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. To improve visibility, air is pumped through the endoscope to inflate the stomach and separate the mucosal folds. The physician captures images of the lining and may perform quick diagnostic maneuvers, such as taking small tissue samples, known as biopsies, from suspicious areas. Once the visual inspection and any necessary sampling are complete, the physician suctions the air from the stomach, and the endoscope is withdrawn.
The Recovery and Discharge Phase
The post-procedure recovery phase typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes. Immediately after the EGD, the patient is moved to a recovery area where a nurse monitors their emergence from sedation. Vital signs like blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen saturation are continuously checked until the patient is awake and alert enough for discharge. This waiting period ensures the patient’s safety due to the effects of the sedation. Once the patient is responsive, a physician or nurse will review the preliminary findings from the EGD and provide detailed post-procedure instructions. Patients are instructed to try small sips of water and may experience a mild sore throat or bloating, which are common side effects from the procedure. Because the lingering effects of sedation impair judgment and motor skills, patients are required to have an adult escort drive them home and remain with them for the rest of the day.
Factors That Influence the Timeline
The complexity of the procedure is the most significant factor; a simple diagnostic inspection takes the minimum time, while therapeutic interventions add duration. For instance, if the physician needs to perform a polypectomy (removal of a polyp) or dilate a narrowed section of the esophagus, these actions require extra time and specialized instrumentation. Patient-specific factors also play a role, particularly how quickly an individual metabolizes the sedation medications. Patients who react slowly to the medication may require extended monitoring in the recovery area to ensure they are fully alert and stable. Institutional factors, such as the efficiency of the facility’s check-in process or unexpected delays, can sometimes extend the preparation or waiting times. Most patients should budget a total of two to three hours from the time they check in until they are safely discharged.