Upper Endoscopy

Upper endoscopy (sometimes called EGD) is a test that allows your doctor to visualize the upper gastrointestinal tract including the esophagus, stomach and first portion of the small intestine. The endoscope is a small flexible tube with a light source, video source and multiple channels that allow your doctor to simultaneously watch live video of your upper gastrointestinal tract and take biopsies or perform other therapies such as dilations if needed. In order for the exam to be performed patients receive intravenous sedation and the procedure takes between 5 to 10 minutes. There is no preparation the day before. Patients feel well after the procedure but cannot drive themselves home.