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EGD and Upper
Gastrointestinal
Treatment

Dr. Tahir has several years of experience treating different types of upper gastrointestinal conditions, including heartburn, acid reflux, gastric ulcers, helicobacter pylori, dysphagia (or difficulty swallowing), hiatal hernia, and more.

Many of these conditions can be diagnosed and treated with medication. Diagnosis will most likely be done by performingan esophagogastroduodenoscopy (or EGD).

What is an EGD
(esophagogastroduodenoscopy)?

EGD is an endoscopic procedure performed in an endoscopy center that allows a doctor to examine your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (part of your small intestine). It’s an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home that same day.

It takes approximately 30 minutes to perform an EGD and is done under IV sedation. Biopsies may be taken during the procedure and results are discussed with you during a follow-up exam in our office approximately 5-7 days after.

When To Call Your Doctor

If you’re experiencing symptoms of an upper gastrointestinal disorder. When your symptoms begin to affect your daily life. If you find yourself making accommodations to get through the day, it’s time to consult a specialist at Tahir Surgical Clinic.

Hiatal Hernia
and Treatment

Also called hiatus or diaphragmatic hernia, a hiatal hernia is a condition in which part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm muscle. With this type of hernia, part of the stomach pushes into the chest cavity through the esophagus, where food passes on its way to the stomach.

Hiatal hernias can have no symptoms. In some cases, they may be associated with heartburn and abdominal discomfort. Hiatal hernias may not require any treatment, some are treated with medication, and a few types need surgical repair.

When is heartburn serious enough to require treatment?

Heartburn, or burning pain or discomfort in the upper chest and mid-chest, can sometimes be a symptom of other conditions. These include gallbladder disease, pancreatic disease, hiatal hernia, anxiety, stress, poor eating habits, overeating, alcohol consumption, and spicy foods.

You can never be too sure, so it’s best to consult a doctor if you have any concerns your heartburn may be related to another medical condition.

Insurance Flexibility

At Tahir Surgical Clinic, we accept most insurance providers, including most PPO, HMO, and AHCCCS plans. Self-pay options are also available.

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In the event you don’t have insurance or treatment is not covered under your current provider, Dr. Tahir doesn’t turn away patients. We’ll work with you to find a solution and get you the help you need!

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Dr. Tahir - S Zubair Tahir - Arizona Hemorrhoid Doctor - Tahir Surgical Clinic - Gilbert, Arizona

Meet Dr. Tahir

Dr. Tahir is an American Board of Surgery Certified Surgeon in Mesa, AZ with expert level experience treating patients with a hernia, various upper GI issues, and a wide range of conditions. He was among the first surgeons in Arizona to perform laparoscopic surgery and is also certified in robotic surgery.

EGD and Upper Gastrointestinal FAQs

Upper Gastrointestinal Conditions

What is heartburn?

Burning pain or discomfort in the upper chest and mid-chest, possibly involving the neck and throat, may worsen when lying down.

Heartburn can be a symptom caused by other factors such as gallbladder disease, pancreatic disease, hiatal hernia, anxiety, stress, poor eating habits, overeating, alcohol consumption, and spicy foods.

What is acid reflux?

This is a chronic disease that occurs when stomach acid or bile flows into the food pipe and irritates the lining. Acid reflux and heartburn more than twice a week may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Symptoms include burning pain in the chest that usually occurs after eating and worsens when lying down.

What is a gastric ulcer?

A sore that develops on the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine. Ulcers occur when stomach acid damages the lining of the digestive tract. Common causes include the bacteria Helicobacter Pylori (H-Pylori) and anti-inflammatory pain relievers including aspirin.

Upper abdominal pain is the most common symptom. Pain can be worse in the early mornings when the stomach is empty.

What is Helicobacter Pylori (H-Pylori)?

H-pylori is a bacterial infection that affects the pyloric sphincter of the stomach. It can damage portions of the stomach and the first part of your small intestine called the duodenum. Untreated H-pylori infection can lead to stomach cancer.

Nausea, frequent burping, loss of appetite, and weight loss are early symptoms of H-pylori.

What is dysphagia?

Difficulty swallowing foods or liquids, arising from the throat or esophagus, ranging from mild difficulty to complete and painful blockage.

An EGD (scope of the upper GI system) is a minor procedure used to determine the severity and location of the dysphagia. Patients can experience dysphagia at different parts of the swallowing process. Treatment is discussed after determining the cause. Dilation, medications, change in the foods you eat, or possibly even surgery is necessary to correct the dysphagia.

Cost of EGD and Treatment

What do I need to know before I go in for an EGD?

Patients are asked to avoid consuming anything by mouth 8 hours prior to the procedure and avoid a heavy meal the night before. Avoid aspirin products, NSAIDs, and blood thinners 7 days prior to your EGD. Medications can resume in most cases following the procedure.

Does Dr. Tahir perform hernia surgery at his office?

All laparoscopic, robotic and open hernia surgeries are done in an outpatient hospital under general anesthesia. Dr. Tahir has great relationships with several facilities across Arizona where he is able to perform surgeries. We take care of scheduling and all the logistics for you.

What kind of anesthesia is used?

99% general anesthesia and 1% local anesthetic is used at the incision site.

How much does treatment cost?

Self-pay quotes can be given prior to proceeding with the EGD. Endoscopies are usually more affordable than most patients think.

The cost for outpatient surgery includes a professional fee (Dr. Tahir), hospital fee, anesthesia fee, and pre-op testing fee (labs, EKG, chest x-ray, etc). Payment arrangements can be made with all parties involved.

At Tahir Surgical Clinic, we’re transparent about pricing. If treatment is not covered under your insurance, we’ll get the best cash-pay rate available through our contracted facilities.

For insured patients, we’ll provide a breakdown of what’s covered under your health insurance. Including any out-of-pocket expenses so you know what to expect before proceeding with surgery.

Who do I pay for the surgery?

Dr. Tahir is affiliated with several facilities but he is a separate entity, in addition to the anesthesiologist. The facility fee is separate from the professional fee and they are not collected together.

If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to call us.

Recovery Process

What is the recovery process for hernia surgery or an EGD?

For EGD – Patients are unable to drive following an EGD because of the light anesthesia. Drowsiness wears off in the first 24 hours and there are no diet restrictions following the procedure.

For hernia surgery – Click here for the full post-operative instructions.

Why Choose Tahir Surgical Clinic?

We offer quality treatment at a reasonable price. It sounds simple (and it is!) but our staff also works extremely hard to maintain a comfortable setting for our patients.

Learn more about what sets Tahir Surgical Clinic apart from the rest!

Top-Rated Surgical Clinic - Arizona Hemorrhoid Doctor

Top-Rated Surgical Clinic in the East Valley

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