Upper Endoscopy (EGD): What Kansas City Patients Should Know

By Dr. Jeffrey Earl, Colonoscopy KC

If you've been living with persistent heartburn, trouble swallowing, or stomach pain that won't seem to go away, you may have wondered whether it's finally time to get answers. An upper endoscopy — also called an EGD, short for esophagogastroduodenoscopy — is one of the most direct ways to find out exactly what's going on in your upper digestive tract. Here's what Kansas City patients should know before scheduling one.

What Is an Upper Endoscopy (EGD)?

An upper endoscopy is a procedure that lets your doctor examine the lining of your esophagus, stomach, and the first part of your small intestine (the duodenum). Dr. Earl uses a thin, flexible tube with a tiny high-definition camera at the tip — called an endoscope — to look directly at these tissues.

The procedure typically takes just 15 to 30 minutes, and you're comfortably sedated the entire time. Most patients wake up with no memory of the exam at all.

When Is an EGD Recommended?

An upper endoscopy is often the best next step when you have symptoms that point to the upper digestive tract, including:

• Persistent heartburn or acid reflux that medication isn't fully controlling
• Difficulty swallowing, or a feeling that food gets stuck
• Unexplained nausea, vomiting, or upper abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss or anemia
• Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding, such as dark or black stools

If any of these sound familiar, an EGD can often identify the cause in a single visit.

What Can an Upper Endoscopy Detect?

An EGD is both a diagnostic and a therapeutic tool. During the procedure, Dr. Earl can:

• Diagnose GERD and acid-reflux damage to the esophagus
• Find stomach and duodenal ulcers
• Detect inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) or stomach (gastritis)
• Identify the cause of difficulty swallowing
• Diagnose celiac disease through a small biopsy
• Locate the source of GI bleeding or anemia
• Screen for Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous change in the esophageal lining

If a problem is found, it can often be treated in the same procedure — from taking biopsies, removing small polyps or dilating esophageal strictures.

The Prep Is Much Simpler Than You Think

This is the part that surprises people most: unlike a colonoscopy, an upper endoscopy requires no bowel prep. You don't have to drink a large volume of solution or spend an afternoon near the bathroom.

The only real requirement is fasting — nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before your procedure. That's it. If you take medications, Dr. Earl's team will tell you exactly which ones to take and when, and whether to pause any blood thinners ahead of time.

What to Expect on the Day

You'll check in at WestGlen Endoscopy Center, and a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) will administer sedation through an IV so you stay comfortable throughout. Dr. Earl performs the exam while you rest, and most patients feel no discomfort at all.

Afterward, you'll spend about 30 to 60 minutes in recovery while the sedation wears off. A mild sore throat is possible but usually fades within a day. Dr. Earl will discuss his initial findings with you before you leave, and you'll need someone to drive you home. Most patients are back to their normal routine the next day.

What Does an EGD Cost at Colonoscopy KC?

At Colonoscopy KC, every upper endoscopy is a flat, all-inclusive cash price of $1,175. That single price covers your consultation, the procedure itself, anesthesia, pathology and lab fees, and the surgery center — with no hidden charges and no surprise bills later.

If you need both an upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy, you can combine them in a single visit under one sedation for $2,175 — a savings of $275 compared to scheduling them separately. It's one prep, one recovery, and a complete picture of your digestive health.

Getting Started

You don't need insurance to get answers. If persistent heartburn, trouble swallowing, or stomach pain has been holding you back, the next step is a simple one: call (913) 379-3350 to request a complimentary phone consultation. Dr. Earl will talk through your symptoms and help you decide whether an upper endoscopy is right for you.

WestGlen Endoscopy Center is conveniently located at 16663 Midland Drive in Shawnee, KS — proudly serving patients throughout the Kansas City metro area, including Leawood, Prairie Village, Olathe, and Lenexa.