A parent's guide to having an upper GI endoscopy (OGD)

What is an upper GI endoscopy (OGD)?

OGD stands for Oesophago-Gastro-Duodenoscopy. It is a test where a doctor uses a thin, bendy tube with a camera (called an endoscope) to look inside the:

• oesophagus (food pipe);

• stomach; and

• the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).

Why might my child need this test?

The doctor may suggest an OGD for one or more of the following reasons.

• To find out why your child has tummy pain, sickness, trouble swallowing, or has lost weight.

• To look for problems like swelling, sores (ulcers), or blockages.

• To take small samples of tissue (biopsies) for testing.

How do I prepare my child for the test?

Please tell us if your child has special feeding needs, like a feeding pump.

• If your child's test is in the morning

  • Stop food, milk, juice, and soft drinks at 2.30am on the morning of their test.

  • Your child must not drink water after 6.30am.

• If your child's test is in the afternoon

  • Stop food, milk, juice, and soft drinks at 7.30am on the morning of their test.

  • Your child must not drink water after 11:30am.

• Tell the doctor about any medicines your child takes. Tell them if your child has any allergies, or has recently been ill (especially coughs or breathing problems).

• Bring the following to the hospital

  • A favourite toy or comfort item.

  • Any medical letters or records.

  • Any regular medicines.

What happens on the day of my child's OGD?

• Checking in

  • Arrive at the hospital at the time given. Go to Dolphin Ward.

  • We will give your child an ID bracelet to wear.

• Before the test

  • A nurse will check your child’s temperature, blood pressure, and other signs.

  • A doctor will explain the test and answer any questions.

Consent and your choices

• You will be asked to give your consent before the procedure.

• This means you agree for your child to have the test. Only sign this form after we have given you all the information you need to make a decision.

• You can withdraw your consent at any time, even on the day of the procedure.

What if I choose for my child not to have an OGD procedure?

• These procedures help us understand the cause of your child's symptoms, and guide future treatment.

• Without them, it may be harder to make a diagnosis or plan the best care for your child.

• If you have any concerns or questions about the procedure or the tests, please speak to your doctor or healthcare team. They are here to support you and discuss any alternatives or next steps.

What happens during the OGD?

• Sedation / General anaesthetic (medicine to make your child sleep)

  • We will give your child sedation, to help them sleep and stay still.

  • Sometimes they may need a breathing tube for safety. An anaesthetist will discuss this with you on the day of your child’s procedure. If you have any questions, please speak to the anaesthetist.

  • One parent can stay, until your child is asleep.

• The procedure

  • The doctor will gently put the endoscope into your child's mouth, and guide it down into their stomach and duodenum. This should not hurt, as your child will be asleep.

  • The test takes 15 to 30 minutes.

  • The doctor will take pictures and tissue samples. This should not hurt, as your child will be asleep.

Is this procedure safe?

Yes, an ODG is a very safe procedure. However, some children do experience the following.

• Sore throat, tummy pain, a small injury to lips, or blood in vomit or poo for a day or two. You can give your child paracetamol to help with any discomfort or pain they may have.

• A small tear / hole (perforation) in the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach or small intestine can happen during the test. This is very rare but serious. If this happens, your child would need a short stay in hospital and treatment with antibiotics and gut rest. Very occasionally, surgery may be needed to repair the tear.

• We may not be able to finish the test if perforation happens or the equipment fails.

The doctor will talk to you about the above before your child's test. If you have any questions or concerns, please ask.

What happens after the test?

• Waking up

  • Your child will rest in recovery until they wake up.

  • Nurses will check they are comfortable.

  • Your child may feel sleepy, or have mild cramps or bloating for a short time.

• Speaking to the doctor

  • The doctor will tell you what they found.

  • They will explain any next steps.

• Going home

  • When fully awake and your doctor feels it is safe to do so, your child can go home and eat as normal.

• At home

  • Keep your child hydrated. Make sure they have plenty to drink.

  • Eat meals as normal.

  • Make sure your child rests for 24 hours after their test. Avoid running, cycling, and sports. Older children should not drive for 24 hours.

  • Most children can go back to school or nursery the next day.

What if I have any urgent concerns?

Call for help urgently if your child:

• has very bad tummy pain or a swollen tummy;

• passes a lot of blood (a little can be normal);

• feels unwell;

• refuses to eat or drink;

• is unusually sleepy;

• has a high temperature; and / or

• keeps vomiting.

If your child experiences any of the above, please go to your nearest Paediatric Emergency Department or call 999. There are Paediatric Emergency Departments at:

• Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother (QEQM) Hospital, Margate; and

• William Harvey Hospital, Ashford.

Please be aware that Kent and Canterbury Hospital does not have a Paediatric Emergency Department.

Will my child have a follow-up appointment?

Yes. You and your child will have an appointment to talk about the biopsy results and next steps. We will send the details of this appointment to you in the post.

The biopsy results can take up to 6 weeks.

Tips for a smooth visit

• Talk to your child: explain the test simply, and reassure them.

• Bring comfort items to the appointment: a favourite toy, book, or blanket.

• Praise them: encourage and reward their bravery.

• Be patient: waiting times can vary. You may need to stay at the hospital for at least half a day.

Contact details

For general enquiries, please call the Paediatric Endoscopy Co-ordinator.

• Paediatric Endoscopy Coordinator
  Telephone: 01277 868678
  Email

Fun facts for kids

Did you know?

• An adult's small intestine is about 20 feet long.

• Platypuses do not have stomachs.

• The muscles in your oesophagus act like a giant wave. That is what moves food or drink down to your stomach. This wave action is called peristalsis.

We look forward to seeing you at Kent and Canterbury Hospital and helping your child feel better soon.

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