FGDS - what is it? We find out together

FGDS - what is it? This question arises in many people who were first prescribed a referral to a gastroscopist. It should be noted that this examination of the stomach, esophagus and duodenum is carried out in order to identify the various pathologies of all these organs (ulcers, erosions, candidiasis, etc.), which cause extremely painful sensations in the patient.

FGDS - what is it?

The aforementioned abbreviation stands for a rather long medical term, which sounds like fibroesophagogastroduodenoscopy. By the way, for a significant reduction of this type of examination, not only the capital letters of the FGDS, but also the FGS, FEGS, and the word "gastroscopy" are often used.

How is the examination conducted?

FGDS - what is it? Having ascertained this information, many hospital patients flatly refuse to undergo such a survey. After all, it is produced using a flexible fiber optic medical device in the form of a long tube with a camera at the end. It is her first planted first into the oral cavity, then into the esophagus, and then into the stomach and 12-colon.

Of course, such a procedure is rather unpleasant for the patient. But if you do not make it in time, then the undiagnosed and, as a consequence, untreated disease can become so neglected that surgical intervention will be required. It is also worth noting that the conduct of the FGD involves not only a purely visual examination of the mucous organs of digestion, but also a painless collection of small pieces of tissue for their further investigation (biopsy).

Preliminary preparation

To conduct such an examination effectively, the lumen of all digestive organs should be absolutely free. In this regard, the patient is provided with a simple instruction for the necessary preparation in advance. It includes the following recommendations:

• On the eve before the examination do not eat heavy and hard to digest food.
• If the EGD is scheduled for 9-10 AM, after 8 PM it is desirable for the patient to stop eating any food (drinking water is allowed).
• In the morning before the study, it is strictly forbidden to eat or drink anything.

By the way, after the gastroscopy is completed, the patient is also not recommended to eat for two hours.

With regard to direct preparation before the study, for 1-3 minutes before FGDS the patient is anesthetized, that is, irrigation of the throat (throat) with a special preparation that provides a significant decrease in sensitivity during swallowing of the endoscope. In the event that you have any allergic reactions to medications, then you should definitely tell the doctor.

Is the procedure painful?

FGDS - what is it? Learning the answer to the question posed, many are concerned about the following: "How painful is the procedure?" On average, such a study lasts for several minutes. It is made in the prone position on the left side. There is no need to take off your clothes. The more relaxed and calmer the patient will be during the procedure, the easier it will go. Those who have ever undergone such a survey claim that it is painless, but extremely unpleasant.

About where to do EGF, can tell you only your doctor (usually a gastroenterologist). As a rule, these are private or state polyclinics, where there is a specialist gastroscopist, as well as an equipped office that meets all the requirements.