Upper Endoscopy (EGD)

During this procedure, an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light on the end) is guided down the esophagus under sedation and used to examine the esophagus, stomach and the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). Disorders an EGD can find include: esophagitis from acid reflux, strictures, eosinophilic esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal varices; ulcers and hiatal hernias; and duodenal ulcers or celiac disease. Esophageal strictures can be dilated to alleviate difficulty swallowing, and band ligation can treat esophageal varices. To undergo an upper endoscopy, the patient must not eat solid foods for eight hours before the procedure. Unlike a colonoscopy, however, it doesn’t require a full clean-out.