EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy)

What is an EGD?
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (also called EGD or upper endoscopy) is a procedure to examine the upper digestive system. During an EGD, a gastroenterologist inserts an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera) into the mouth and down the throat. The endoscope allows the doctor to view the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine (duodenum) on a video monitor. An EGD helps diagnose digestive problems like difficulty swallowing, heartburn, belly pain, ulcers, and bleeding. The doctor may collect tissue samples (biopsy) or perform procedures during the EGD to treat any abnormalities found. The procedure takes 15-30 minutes and sedation is used to make the patient comfortable. Patients can usually go home the same day and resume normal activities the next day.