OGD (Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy)

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What is OGD (Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy)

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1. Definition
OGD (Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy), also known as upper GI endoscopy, is a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure used to visualize the upper gastrointestinal tract. This includes the:

  • Esophagus (food pipe)
  • Stomach
  • Duodenum (the first part of the small intestine)

2. Purpose

  • Diagnoses and treats GI tract disorders.
  • Identifies causes of abdominal pain, bleeding, or swallowing issues.
  • Detects ulcers, inflammation, tumors, and polyps.
  • Removes foreign objects or takes biopsies.

3. When is it recommended?

  • Persistent acid reflux or heartburn.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Chronic nausea or vomiting.
  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
  • Suspected GI bleeding.

Types of OGD (Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy)

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Primary type of OGD.

Used to visualize and assess the upper GI tract.

Detects ulcers, inflammation, tumors, and strictures.

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Performed to treat or manage GI conditions.

May involve:

  • Polypectomy: Removal of polyps.
  • Hemostasis: Controlling bleeding.
  • Dilation: Widening strictures.
  • Biopsy: Taking tissue samples.
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Done in urgent cases like GI bleeding or foreign body ingestion.

Used to locate and stop active bleeding.

Symptoms Indicating the Need for OGD

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Digestive Issues

Chronic heartburn or acid reflux.

Persistent nausea or vomiting.

Bloating, indigestion, or pain after eating.

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Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Black or tarry stools (melena).

Vomiting blood (hematemesis).

Anemia due to chronic blood loss.

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Swallowing Problems

Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).

Painful swallowing (odynophagia).

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Unexplained Symptoms

Unexplained weight loss.

Loss of appetite.

Recurrent abdominal pain.

Risk Factors for Needing OGD

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Chronic acid reflux damages the esophagus.

Can cause Barrett’s esophagus or strictures.

GI Bleeding

Due to peptic ulcers, esophageal varices, or gastric tumors.

OGD helps diagnose and treat the source of bleeding.

Stomach Ulcers

H. pylori infection or NSAID overuse can cause ulcers.

OGD diagnoses and treats the ulcers.

Esophageal Varices

Liver cirrhosis can lead to varices.

OGD identifies and manages variceal bleeding.

Cancer Risk

Esophageal, gastric, or duodenal cancer risks warrant screening.

Early detection through OGD improves outcomes.

Chronic Indigestion or Dyspepsia

Long-standing indigestion or bloating.

OGD rules out ulcers or gastritis.

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Causes Leading to OGD

GERD and Chronic Heartburn

Acid reflux damages the esophagus.

Can lead to Barrett’s esophagus.

OGD is used to evaluate the damage.

Peptic Ulcers

H. pylori infection or NSAID overuse causes ulcers.

OGD detects and treats ulcers.

GI Bleeding

Causes:

  • Esophageal varices (due to liver disease).
  • Gastric ulcers.
  • Mallory-Weiss tears (tears in the esophageal lining).
Esophageal Strictures

Causes:

  • Narrowing of the esophagus due to:
    • Chronic acid reflux.
    • Scar tissue formation.
  • OGD dilates the narrowed area.
Infections or Inflammation

Infectious esophagitis (due to Candida or herpes).

Gastritis (stomach inflammation).

How to Prevent the Need for OGD?

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Healthy Diet and Lifestyle

Avoid spicy, acidic, and fatty foods.

Eat smaller, more frequent meals.

Stay hydrated.

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Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

Both increase acid reflux and GI issues.

Quitting reduces inflammation.

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Manage GERD

PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) reduce stomach acid.

Lifestyle changes prevent esophageal damage.

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Maintain a Healthy Weight

Reduces pressure on the stomach.

Lowers GERD risk.

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Avoid Overuse of NSAIDs

Excessive NSAID use increases the risk of ulcers and bleeding.

Use alternatives when possible.

Treatment of GI Conditions Through OGD

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Medications

PPIs and H2 blockers reduce stomach acid.

Antibiotics treat H. pylori infections.

Antacids relieve heartburn symptoms.

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Endoscopic Treatments

Polypectomy: Removing polyps.

Hemostasis: Stopping GI bleeding with clips or thermal coagulation.

Dilation: Widening strictures with balloons.

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Lifestyle Modifications

Dietary changes.

Avoiding triggers like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods.

Weight management.

OGD Procedures

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Pre-Surgery Preparation

Fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure.

Medication adjustments (if required).

Sedation or local anesthetic is administered.

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During the Procedure
Steps 1:

Patient lies on their side.

Mouthguard placed to prevent biting the scope.

Steps 2:

Flexible endoscope with a camera is inserted through the mouth.

Passed down the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Steps 3:

Visualization of the GI tract.

Biopsy, removal, or treatment is performed if necessary.

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Recovery

Mild throat discomfort for a few hours.

No eating or drinking until swallowing returns to normal.

Medications

Continue prescribed PPIs, antibiotics, or antacids.

Avoid NSAIDs or blood thinners temporarily.

Follow-Up

Results are reviewed with the patient.

Follow-up appointment scheduled if biopsies are taken.