An upper endoscopy is a procedure used by your doctor to gain more information about your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. Your doctor can look at the inside of these structures by placing an endoscope (a small, bendable tube that acts like a video camera) into your throat. If anything unusual, such as a growth or a foreign body, is found by your doctor, the endoscope may also be used to treat them.
An upper endoscopy is also known as an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or
EGD for short.
Reasons for an Upper Endoscopy
An upper endoscopy may be used as a screening check, or to find out why you are having specific symptoms. These symptoms might include:
- Upper abdominal pain, such as heartburn
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Difficult or painful swallowing
- Anemia
- Diarrhea
- Bleeding.
Preparing for Your Upper Endoscopy
Your stomach and duodenum must be empty in order for the procedure to be thorough and safe, so you will not be able to eat or drink anything for at least six hours beforehand.
Also, you must arrange for someone to take you home -- you will not be allowed to drive because of the sedatives. Your physician may give you other special instructions.
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