Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)

What is a Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)?

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (also known as EGD or upper endoscopy) is a non-surgical procedure performed by our gastroenterologists at Southwest Endoscopy. This procedure's purpose is to examine the patient's upper digestive tract. Your gastroenterologist will guide the endoscope (a long, thin, flexible tube containing a tiny video camera) through the mouth and throat and into the esophagus allowing our physicians to view real-time images of your esophagus, stomach, and upper part of the small intestine.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is advised to patients with a wide array of upper digestive tract symptoms including heartburn, swallowing difficulties, chest pain (without evidence of heart disease), as well as many other symptoms as part of a complete evaluation for a proper diagnosis

Why Is an Upper Endoscopy Performed?

An EGD is commonly recommended to evaluate a wide range of upper gastrointestinal symptoms and conditions, including:

Chronic or severe acid reflux (GERD)
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Heartburn not responding to medication
Upper abdominal pain
Nausea or vomiting
Unexplained anemia
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Surveillance for Barrett’s esophagus
Abnormal findings on imaging studies

Upper endoscopy allows for direct visualization of the upper GI tract and is often the most accurate way to diagnose the cause of persistent or concerning symptoms.

What Happens During the Procedure?

You will receive sedation to ensure comfort throughout the examination. Once you are relaxed, the endoscope is gently passed through the mouth and advanced through the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Your gastroenterologist will carefully inspect the lining of these organs and may take small tissue samples (biopsies) if needed. Biopsies are painless and are routinely obtained to evaluate inflammation, infection, or other microscopic changes. After the procedure, you will be monitored briefly in recovery before being discharged the same day.

What Conditions Can Be Diagnosed with EGD?

Upper endoscopy is a powerful diagnostic tool used to evaluate and diagnose many conditions, including:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Barrett’s esophagus
Esophagitis
Gastritis
Peptic ulcers
Hiatal hernia
H. pylori infection
Celiac disease
Esophageal strictures or narrowing
Upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Tumors or abnormal growths

Because EGD allows for direct visualization and tissue sampling, it is often superior to imaging alone for diagnosing upper GI disorders.

Will I Feel Anything?

Most patients do not feel discomfort during the procedure due to sedation. Some patients experience a mild sore throat or bloating afterward, which typically resolves within a few hours.

Can I Go Back to Work After My Procedure?

Because sedation is used, you should plan to rest at home for the remainder of the day and arrange for someone to drive you home. You may resume normal activities, including work, the following day unless otherwise instructed by your physician.