Esophagoscopy, Gastroscopy, Duodenoscopy

A n esophagoscopy (eh-sof-uh-GOS-cup-ee) is a test that looks at the inside of the esophagus (eh-
SOF-uh-gus). A gastroscopy (gas-TRAW-skup-ee) is
a test that looks at the inside of the stomach. A
duodenoscopy (dew-odd-en-AWS-cup-ee) is a test
that looks at the inside of the rst part of the
small intestinethe duodenum (dew-ODD-en-
um). A thin, exible instrument is used for these
procedures. They are performed in the Endoscopy
Lab or the operating room by specially-trained
doctors. Because the esophagus, stomach, and
duodenum are so close, these procedures are
often all performed together as an
esophagogastroduodenoscopy or EGD. The exam
will help discover the cause of your childs
symptoms or evaluate anything abnormal seen
on an X-ray. How does a child prepare for
the exam? For doctors to have a clear view and for safe sedation or anesthesia, the stomach must be
empty It is important that your child not
eat anything for 8 hours or drink anything for
3 hours before the exam. Your doctor might
tell you a different time for not eating depending
on your childs age. Your doctor will give you
other speci c instructions. Please check-in at
outpatient registration at least 30 minutes before
your scheduled appointment. You will be
asked to give permission for the procedure by
signing a consent form. At that time, you will
have another chance to discuss the procedure
with your doctor or nurses. If your child has any
allergies, be sure to tell the doctor before
the procedure. What happens during the exam? The exam usually takes 20-40 minutes. Your child
will be given medicine to help her become sleepy and not remember the test, either with a oral or
nasal spray medicines or by starting an IV (a tiny
tube inserted into a vein) and giving the
medicines into the vein. Parents may stay until
their child is sleepy (before the exam). Monitors
will be used to keep your child safe. The doctor
will be constantly aware of
your childs heart rate, breathing, oxygen level
and blood pressure. Often, a tiny piece of the
lining tissue is removed, called a biopsy (by-op-
see) or a liquid sample is taken for testing. Your
child should feel no discomfort from the biopsy
either when the doctor takes the specimens or
after the procedure.
Esophagoscopy,
Gastroscopy,
Duodenoscopy Scope Esophagus Stomach Duodenum
All of the information contained in the Lets Talk About . . . series is for educational purposes only. This educational information is not
a substitute for medical advice or for care from a physician or other health care professional. If you have questions about your childs
health, contact your health care provider. Pediatric Education Services 801.662.3500 Rev. 02/07

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