EGD

Overview

EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) or upper endoscopy: Your Gastroenterologist examines the lining of the upper part of your gastrointestinal tract, which includes the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first portion of the small intestine). You will be sedated and your GI doctor will use a thin flexible tube with a light and a camera at its tip to view images of your GI tract on a video monitor. You might have this test if you have persistent upper abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss, anemia, reflux or difficulty swallowing (Dysphagia). Upper endoscopy is also used to treat conditions of the upper gastrointestinal tract. For example, your doctor might stretch (dilate) a narrowed area, remove polyps (usually benign growths) or treat bleeding. This procedure takes 15-20 minutes with 30-60 minutes additional recovery time. You will need a driver because of the sedation.