Upper GI Endoscopy

Upper GI endoscopy sometimes called EGD is a visual examination of the upper intestinal tract using a lighted flexible fiber optic endoscope.

Why do you need this exam?
This exam is important because the upper GI tract is the site of numerous disorders. This is due to factors related to diet, environment, and heredity. The Upper GI Endoscopy helps in diagnosing and often in treating the following conditions:
Ulcers
Tumors of the stomach or esophagus
Difficulty in swallowing
Upper abdominal pain or indigestion
Intestinal bleeding
Esophagitis and heartburn (chronic inflammation due to acid reflux)
Gastrtis (inflammation of the lining of the stomach)

An upper GI endoscopy is performed to mainly identify and/or correct a problem in the upper GI tract. If a bleeding site is found, treatment can stop the bleeding or if a polyp is found it can be removed without a major operation. This procedure is usually done on an outpatient basis.