An Upper GI Endoscopy or EGD is a GI scope procedure whereby a physician inserts a flexible lighted narrow tube through a patient’s mouth and into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The endoscope tube has a HD video camera at its tip, allowing the doctor to carefully look for inflammation, growths, narrowed areas, hiatal hernias, and ulcers. This procedure is done with twilight anesthesia, making it a gentle comfortable experience. A typical EGD takes 5-10 minutes to perform. During this procedure, physicians often take tissue samples called biopsies. Sometimes they also perform a stretching procedure of the esophagus called a dilation to help those with swallowing difficulties. At the conclusion of the procedure the patient awakens in the recovery area and the gastroenterologist discusses his findings and recommendations.
