WHAT IS AN ESOPHAGOGASTRODUODENOSCOPY (EGD)?
An EGD (or an upper endoscopy) is an endoscopic procedure where a long, thin, flexible tube or “scope” is placed into the mouth and advanced to the duodenum (the beginning of the small intestine). The scope has a light and a camera on the end of it which allows the physician to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and first portion of the small intestine. An EGD may be performed to diagnose the cause of gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, peptic ulcers, acid reflux/GERD, difficulty swallowing, bleeding, or abnormal x-ray results. An EGD may also be performed on a patient with chronic heartburn symptoms to screen for changes that are associated with esophageal cancer.