Upper Endoscopy (EGD) in Port Charlotte, FL
An upper endoscopy, or EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), uses a thin, flexible camera passed through the mouth to examine the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine. Your surgeon can take small biopsies and treat some problems, such as stretching a narrowed esophagus, during the same exam. We care for patients from Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, North Port, Englewood and across Charlotte County and Southwest Florida.
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Symptoms an EGD can help explain
- Heartburn or acid reflux that does not improve with medicine
- Trouble swallowing, pain with swallowing or food sticking
- Upper abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting
- Unexplained anemia
- Follow-up (surveillance) of known Barrett’s esophagus, or evaluation before reflux or hiatal hernia surgery
When to see a surgeon
See a surgeon if reflux or swallowing problems last for weeks despite treatment, or if your primary care doctor finds anemia or other concerning signs. Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry stools is an emergency.
What to expect
You will be asked not to eat or drink for a period of time before the exam. No bowel prep is needed for an EGD alone.
The exam is done under sedation as an outpatient procedure and is usually brief. It can often be done during the same visit as a colonoscopy.
You will need an adult to drive you home.
Recovery
A mild sore throat or bloating is common for a short time. Most people eat normally later that day and return to regular activities the next day. Biopsy results are reviewed with you at follow-up. Call us for severe chest or belly pain, fever, or trouble swallowing after the exam.
Who performs this at Charlotte Harbor Surgical
John Guarino M.D., F.A.C.S., Matthew Tufts M.D., F.A.C.S., Vincent Brown M.D., and Charles Campbell D.O. perform this procedure. Consultations and follow-up visits take place at our Port Charlotte office.
Frequently asked questions
What is an upper endoscopy (EGD)?
EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) uses a thin, flexible camera passed through the mouth to look at the lining of the esophagus, stomach and first part of the small intestine. Small tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken during the exam.
Why might I need an EGD?
Common reasons include heartburn or reflux that does not get better with medicine, trouble or pain swallowing, food sticking, upper abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, unexplained anemia, and evaluation before reflux or hiatal hernia surgery.
Do I need a bowel prep for an EGD?
No. For an EGD alone you only need an empty stomach, so you will be told not to eat or drink for a period of time before the procedure. If you are having a colonoscopy at the same time, you will also follow the colonoscopy prep.
Can I have an EGD and a colonoscopy on the same day?
In many cases, yes. When both are needed they can often be done one after the other during the same sedation.
What is recovery like after an EGD?
Most people feel a mild sore throat or some bloating for a short time. You need a driver because of the sedation, and most people return to normal activities the next day.
Related services
- Acid Reflux (GERD)
- Hiatal Hernia
- Screening Colonoscopy
- Gallbladder Surgery
- Barrett’s esophagus surveillance & TissueCypher® risk testing
- MiVu™ reflux testing during EGD
- More about EGD in our endoscopy guide
Schedule a consultation
Call our Port Charlotte office at 4245 Kings Hwy, Unit A, Port Charlotte, FL 33980, or request an appointment online.
Port Charlotte Location: 4245 Kings Hwy, Unit A, Port Charlotte, FL 33980
Call (941) 391-5102 · Mon–Thu 7:30 am–4:00 pm, Fri 7:30 am–12:00 pm. If you need urgent care and you have decided to go to an emergency room please use AdventHealth Port Charlotte.