Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a procedure that visualizes the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract using a flexible video endoscope. 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 significant recovery after the procedure.

An EGD is performed by gently sedating the patient and then the endoscope is passed over the tongue, down the throat and through the stomach until it reaches the small intestine. The endoscope is a camera that can bend and be directed through the gastrointestinal tract. The endoscope will take streaming video of the procedure and help the doctor look for irregularities.

This test is helpful in determining:

• The cause of upper GI (gastrointestinal) bleeding
• The cause of swallowing difficulties
• The presence of ulcerations or inflammation
• The cause of abdominal pain 
• The condition of the stomach and duodenum after an operation
• The presence of tumors or other abnormalities of the upper GI tract
• Esophageal damage from Acid Reflux