Introduction

If your doctor has recommended an EGD ( esophagogastroduodenoscopy ) , you ’re not alone . It ’s one of the most common subprogram to valuate symptoms like pyrosis , upper abdominal botheration , or worry unsay . But for many patients , a pressing question arise : how deep does the endoscope go during an EGD?Knowing what to expect not only ease anxiety but helps you better understand how this diagnostic tool works .

This article explores the depth and reach of an EGD scope , what organs it examines , how the procedure is do , and how it compares with other gastrointestinal ( Gb ) tests .

What Is an EGD and Why Is It Performed?

AnEGD , also bed asupper endoscopy , is a minimally invasive diagnostic operation used to examine theupper gastrointestinal tract . This include :

Doctors perform an EGD to evaluate symptoms such as :

So, How Deep Does the Endoscope Go During an EGD?

The EGD endoscope typically travelsfrom the mouth to the second part of the duodenum , track a distance of about60–70 centimeters ( roughly 24–28 inches ) , look on the affected role ’s build .

Here ’s a breakdown of the EGD scope journeying :

The scope is inclose through the mouth while the patient is sedated . A bite pulley is used to protect teeth and the scope .

The scope moves through the esophagus to check for inflammation , stenosis , varices , or tumors .

The tv camera try thegastric fundus , eubstance , antrum , and pylorusfor ulcer , erosions , tumors , or signs of gastritis .

This is thedeepest full point the EGD reaches . The orbit passes through the pyloric anatomical sphincter into theduodenal bulb and descend duodenum , see any ulcers , masses , or bile duct abnormalities .

In most received EGDs , thesecond portion of the duodenum ( D2)is the end point . Occasionally , if clinically necessary , the scope may be advanced slightly further , but this is rare .

What the EGD Scope Cannot Reach

While the EGD covers the upper gilbert tract in effect , itdoes not touch the jejunum , ileum , or Costa Rican colon . If deeper theatrical role of the small intestine need evaluation , doctors may range :

What Can Be Detected During an EGD?

By visualise the upper gilbert tract , an EGD can detect :

Does Everyone Have the Same EGD Scope Depth?

Not exactly . The actual depth can vary based on :

That say , in a everyday EGD , thegoal is always to reach the 2nd part of the duodenum , and most reach are designed to easily reach that depth .

What Happens During the EGD Procedure?

Is the Scope Insertion Painful?

Most patients feelno painduring an EGD due to conscious drugging or anesthesia . Some may sense mild pressure or bloat from air insufflation , butyou wo n’t finger the range belong deeply into the stomach or duodenum .

EGD vs. Other GI Tests: Scope Depth Comparison

When comparing an EGD to other GI ( GI ) procedures in full term of ambit profoundness and diagnostic scope , there are notable deviation . AnEGD , or upper endoscopy , involve slip in a flexible scope through the back talk to examine the gorge , tum , and the first two parts of the duodenum . This typically permit the endoscope to travel up to70 centimetersinto the digestive piece of land .

In dividing line , a colonoscopy is execute via the rectum and is designed to appraise the integral turgid bowel , reaching as far as thececum , which can involve tuck the scope up to150 centimetersor more .

For deep rating of the small gut , procedures like enteroscopy are used . These employ longer or double - balloon scopes that can get through well beyond the duodenum into thejejunum or ileum , depending on the method used .

Lastly , capsule endoscopy — a non - invasive psychometric test that involves accept a small camera — can enamor image throughout theentire modest intestine , pee-pee it utile when the origin of GI bleeding or obscure symptoms dwell beyond the grasp of standard endoscope .

FAQs About EGD Scope Depth

Q: Can the EGD reach the pancreas or gallbladder?

A : No . But endoscopic ultrasound ( EUS ) or ERCP ( Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography ) can aid visualize and treat pancreatic or biliary weather .

Q: Is a deeper scope riskier?

A : Not typically , as long as it ’s performed by an experienced gastroenterologist . The scope is designed to flexibly navigate the upper GI tract without damaging tissue .

Q: Can the scope be used for treatment?

A : Yes . Besides diagnosis , EGD can treat bleeding ulcers , remove polyp , dilate strictures , and retrieve foreign objects .

Conclusion

empathise how deep the endoscope goes during an EGD can help demystify the cognitive process for patients . The scope typically travels from the mouth to the 2d part of the duodenum — give doctors a clean look at the upper GI tract . It ’s a secure , effective , and minimally invasive way to diagnose and sometimes treat digestive disorderliness .

If you ’re schedule for an EGD , talk to your gastroenterologist about what they plan to evaluate and what finding might require further testing .