EGD and Upper
Gastrointestinal
Treatment

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.