Oesophageal-Gastro-Duodenoscopy (OGD)
1.What is oesophageal-gastro-duodenoscopy (OGD)?
It is an upper gastro-intestinal examination that allows the direct visualization of the oral cavity, oesophagus, stomach and proximal duodenum.
2.What are the benefits of OGD?
It enables real time assessment and treatments including a variety of conditions such as:
Diagnosis: gastritis, epigastric pain, ulcer, hiatus hernia, recurrent vomiting, gastrointestinal-oesophageal reflux
In addition, it also allows stomach biopsy to test for the presence of Helicobacter pylori.
Treatment: foreign body, ingestion upper gastro-intestinal bleeding, banding of oesophageal varices, insertion of feeding tube
3. How should we prepare for the OGD?
For children, most OGD are performed under deep sedation or general anaesthesia. Your child will need to fast (no food or water intake) for about 6 hours prior to the procedure. Written informed consent would also be obtained with the parents or guardians. You should also tell your doctors your past medical and drug allergy history, as certain cardiac conditions may necessitate antibiotics prophylaxis for the OGD procedure.
4. How is OGD being done?
The doctor (endoscopist) will insert a flexible tube with a video camera at its tip through your child’s mouth, while inflating the guy with air, then the camera will enter the oesophagus, stomach and the proximal duodenum. Biopsy is taken at the stomach if indicated.