An EGD (also called upper endoscopy or gastroscopy) is a diagnostic procedure used to detect various abnormalities in the esophagus, stomach, and beginning of the small intestine. Bleeding, chronic heartburn (also called reflux disease), hiatal hernia, gastric cancers, Celiac Disease, and ulcers can be detected with an EGD.

We first administer a sedative to relax you and allow you to sleep through the procedure.  A narrow, flexible tube (endoscope) with a light source and a tiny camera at its tip is inserted through the mouth, down the esophagus, into the stomach and into the first part of the small intestine. During the procedure, the camera displays video images so we can get a detailed look at the inside of your upper digestive tract. An EGD also allows us to take tissue samples (biopsies) for laboratory examination.

The endoscope does not interfere with your breathing, and usually the examination is completed in just 10 to 15 minutes.  You will need a ride home afterwards due to the sedation.