Esophagoscopy Gastroscopy Duodenoscopy (EGD)

What is an EGD with a colonoscopy?

Your doctor has suggested that you have an EGD with a colonoscopy as part of your evaluation at National Jewish Health. An EGD allows the doctor to look inside the esophagus, stomach, and a portion of the small intestine. A colonoscopy allows the doctor to look inside the colon, or large intestine. Both use a small flexible tube.

Preparing for an EGD and Colonoscopy

Purchase a supply of clear liquids for the day before your procedure. These include Gatorade, fruit juices (no citrus), soda, popsicles without fruit or cream, gelatin without fruit, broth (skim the fat off the top), and black coffee or tea. Do not drink anything that is red, orange or purple.
Avoid Metamucil and any foods with skins (tomatoes, apples), seeds, corn or nuts for a few days before your test.
Stop any iron-containing medicines or supplements 7 days before the procedure.
Notify your doctor if you take blood thinners such as Coumadin, Plavix, Lovenox, Pradaxa, etc., as you might need to hold these medications a day or so before your procedure.
Notify your doctor if you take any oral medicines or insulin for diabetes.
Notify your doctor if you take any diabetes or weight loss medications such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Trulicity, etc., as you may need to hold these medications up to a week before your procedure.
It is very important that you thoroughly empty your colon so that they doctor can have a clear view. Follow the instructions provided for your specific type of preparation, as there are several types:
- SuPrep for Colonoscopy
- PEG-Split Prep for Colonoscopy
- Halk PEG Prep for Colonoscopy
- Miralax Split Prep for Colonoscopy
- Two Day Liquid Diet for Constipation
Stop drinking fluids of any kind 4 hours before your procedure. If you do not follow these instructions, your procedure will be cancelled.

On Procedure Day

A responsible adult must wait for you at National Jewish during your procedure and take you back to your residence after you are discharged. They must be readily available for the recovery period to review discharge instructions. You will not be able to drive yourself or take a taxi/public transportation. If you do not have someone with you to drive you home, your procedure will be cancelled.
Check in at the Front Desk, and they will direct you from there. If you have questions, or if you would like to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please call 303-398-1355, option #4.
Do not take the medicines your doctor has asked you to hold.
Heart, blood pressure, or seizure medication may be taken as prescribed with a small sip of water at least 2 hours before your procedure.
Do not wear jewelry.
If you use oxygen at home, even if only at night or while active, please bring a portable oxygen unit with you. You may need to use supplemental oxygen for a while after the procedure.
You should not work, drive, or make any important decisions for the rest of the day.
We suggest that someone stays with you overnight.

What is done during an EGD and Colonoscopy?

When you arrive to the procedural area, a nurse will explain what will be done before, during and after the EGD and colonoscopy. If you have any questions, please ask. A nurse will start an IV and review your medical history with you. Your vital signs will be monitored throughout your stay in the procedural area. You will meet with the physician performing your procedure as well as the anesthesia provider prior to being transported to the procedure room. You will lie down on your left side during the procedure. A mouthpiece will help you keep your mouth open. An anesthesia provider will use your IV to sedate you. During the procedure, your doctor will insert a small, flexible tube with a camera on the end (called an endoscope) through your mouth to examine your upper gastrointestinal tract and through your rectum to examine your colon. If needed, your doctor may remove (biopsy) small samples of tissue from your esophagus, stomach, duodenum (the first part of the small intestine after the stomach), or colon. These tissue samples will be examined to help determine your diagnosis and guide the best treatment plan. You will be monitored closely throughout the procedure. Once the procedure is complete, you will go to a recovery room and be monitored by a nurse until you are awake, and your doctor determines when you are able to go home. Your nurse will review your procedure report and discharge instructions with you and send you home with a copy of each.

Length of Test

The average time from check-in to discharge is about 2 to 3 hours. However, your visit may take longer depending on the complexity of your medical needs and the overall patient volume at the time. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to provide the highest quality care to every patient.