Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, also called by various other names, is a diagnostic endoscopic procedure that visualizes the upper part of the gastroinstestinal tract down to the duodenum. It is considered a minimally invasive procedure since it does not require an incision into one of the major body cavities and does not require any significant recovery after the procedure (unless sedation or anesthesia has been used).
Why an EGD test is performed?
Your doctor may recommend an EGD test if you have certain symptoms, including:
- severe, chronic heartburn
- vomiting blood
- black or tarry stools
- regurgitating food
- pain in your upper abdomen
- unexplained anemia
- persistent nausea or vomiting
- unexplained weight loss
- a feeling of fullness after eating less than usual
- a feeling that food is lodged behind your breastbone
- pain or difficulty swallowing
Your doctor may also use this test to help see how effectively a treatment is going or to track complications if you have:
- crohn’s disease
- peptic ulcers
- cirrhosis
- swollen veins in your lower esophagus
