Upper Endoscopy (EGD)

EGD, upper endoscopy, enables the physician to look inside the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). The procedure may be used to discover the reason for swallowing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, reflux, bleeding, indigestion, abdominal pain or chest pain. Upper endoscopy is also called EGD, which stands for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (eh-SAH-fuh-goh-GAS-troh-doo- AH-duh-NAH-skuh-pee).

For the procedure you will swallow a thin, flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope (EN-doh-skope). Right before the procedure the physician will spray your throat with a numbing agent that may help prevent gagging. You may also receive pain medicine and a sedative to help you relax during the exam. The endoscope transmits an image of the inside of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum which the physician carefully examines to check the lining of these organs. The scope also blows air into the stomach to expand the folds of tissue and make it easier for the physician to examine it.

With the endoscope, the physician can see abnormalities such as inflammation and bleeding that don't show up well on x-rays. The physician can also insert instruments into the scope to treat bleeding abnormalities or remove samples of tissue (biopsy) for further tests.

Possible complications of upper endoscopy include bleeding and puncture of the stomach lining; however, such complications are rare. Most people will probably have nothing more than a mild sore throat after the procedure. The procedure takes 20 to 30 minutes. Because you will have been sedated, you will need to rest at the facility until a nurse releases you to your driver.

For more information or to schedule an appointment or referral, call 919.938.4404.