An Upper GI

An upper GI or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a minimally invasive, endoscopic procedure that allows your gastroenterologist to view the esophagus, stomach and part of the small intestine. An endoscope is a thin flexible tube that contains miniaturized instruments, including a camera. Once you have been given a mild anesthetic for your throat and a sedative, your gastroenterologist will gently guide the endoscope down the esophagus and into the stomach, and take pictures that are transferred to a video monitor. Your gastroenterologist also is able to take tissue samples (biopsy).

This endoscopic procedure can help your gastroenterologist determine if you have inflammation in your esophagus (esophagitis) or stomach (gastritis), or if there is another condition that has resulted from GERD, such as a growth, a stricture (narrowing of the esophagus) or Barrett’s esophagus (a precancerous condition from cellular changes to the esophageal lining).