According to the National Institutes of Health, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD, is the examination of the esophagus, stomach and upper duodenum using a flexible endoscope, which is inserted down the throat. EGD is used to detect abnormalities in the upper gastrointestinal tract. MayoClinic.com states that colonoscopy is a test used to detect colon abnormalities, such as colon cancer and colon polyps. Colonoscopy and EGD tests have side effects.
Perforation
According to the National Institutes of Health, the most common side effect of EGD is perforation of the walls of the throat, stomach and duodenum by the endoscope. Perforation during EGD may also occur at the site of biopsy. Biopsy involves the removal of a sample of tissue from the walls of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum or colon for further testing of abnormalities. Signs of perforation during EGD include abdominal pain, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, spitting blood, problems breathing, problems swallowing, black tarry stool weakness and dizziness while standing. Perforation of the colon may occur during colonoscopy due to injury by the colonoscope. Sites of biopsy and polypectomy may also become perforated. Polypectomy is the removal of abnormal growths, known as polyps, from the wall of the colon. Signs of bleeding due to colon perforation include rectal bleeding, bright red blood in stools, abdominal pain, elevated temperature, weakness and dizziness.
Bleeding
According to the National Institutes of Health, patients undergoing EGD and colonoscopy tests are at increased risk of bleeding. Bleeding may occur at sites of biopsy and polypectomy. Signs of internal bleeding include weakness, dizziness, spitting blood, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, abdominal pain, difficulties breathing and bloody stool. The doctor may control bleeding by sealing bleeding blood vessels using heat treatment and special medication. Patients with massive bleeding may require hospitalization, blood transfusions and surgery.
Adverse Reactions to Sedatives
The National Institutes of Health states that sedatives used during EGD and colonoscopy may cause decreased breathing, low blood pressure, slowed heart rate and apnea. Adverse side effects are more common in patients with existing heart and lung problems. Patients' vital signs are monitored closely during EGD and colonoscopy to avoid adverse reactions to sedatives.
