What Is an Endoscopy?
5. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, also known as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a procedure where a flexible endoscope is introduced through the mouth, allowing the visualization of the oropharynx, esophagus, stomach, and proximal duodenum.
This procedure allows for real-time assessment and interpretation of the findings, assisting in the diagnosis of multiple conditions. Some indications for EGD are the diagnostic evaluation of upper gastrointestinal symptoms (i.e. indigestion or dyspepsia, difficulty swallowing, chest pain, or recurrent vomiting), surveillance for gastrointestinal cancer in high-risk conditions, procurement of tissue samples (biopsy), and therapeutic intervention (i.e. removal of foreign bodies or tumors, hemorrhage control, dilatation of stricture).
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