Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
A short procedure that lets us look directly at the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine.
An upper endoscopy, also called an EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), uses a thin, flexible camera passed through the mouth to examine the upper digestive tract. It shows us things that scans and bloodwork cannot, and in many cases it lets us treat the problem during the same exam.
Why It Might Be Recommended
- Heartburn or reflux that persists despite treatment
- Difficulty swallowing, or food that feels like it sticks
- Persistent nausea, vomiting, or upper abdominal pain
- Signs of bleeding, such as black stools or vomiting blood
- Unexplained iron deficiency anemia or weight loss
- Confirming celiac disease, or checking for Barrett’s esophagus
What We Can Do During the Exam
Beyond looking, an upper endoscopy lets us take biopsies to check for inflammation, infection such as H. pylori, celiac disease, or precancerous changes. We can stretch a narrowed esophagus, stop bleeding, and remove objects that have become lodged. When reflux needs to be measured rather than assumed, we can place a small BRAVO capsule that records acid exposure over the following days.
Preparing for It
Preparation is much simpler than for a colonoscopy: your stomach needs to be empty, which means a period of fasting beforehand. The exact timing is on our upper endoscopy instructions page. Tell us ahead of time if you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, or GLP-1 medications, since some need to be adjusted or paused.
You must have a responsible adult to drive you home. The procedure is done under sedation, so you cannot drive yourself, take a taxi or rideshare alone, or walk home.
The Day of the Procedure
The exam itself is brief, and you will be sedated throughout. Most of your time at the surgery center is check-in and recovery while the sedation wears off. Most patients remember little or nothing of it.
Afterward
A mild sore throat and some bloating are common and pass quickly. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day and do not drive until the next day. If biopsies were taken, results typically take about a week, and we review them with you at your follow-up appointment.
Severe chest or abdominal pain, fever, difficulty swallowing that is worse than before, or vomiting blood needs prompt attention. During office hours, call us. After hours, go to the nearest emergency room, since we do not have a physician on call.
Related: GERD and acid reflux · Celiac disease · Upper endoscopy instructions · Meet our gastroenterologists