An EGD procedure, or esophagogastroduodenoscopy, is a test that examines the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and first part of the small intestine (the duodenum) . The procedure is done using an endoscope, which is a flexible tube with a light and camera at the end. During the procedure, the patients breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen level are checked, and wires are attached to certain areas of the body and then to machines that monitor these vital signs. The procedure is typically done in a hospital or medical center.

An EGD procedure may be done if a patient has symptoms that are new, cannot be explained, or are not responding to treatment, such as black or tarry stools or vomiting blood, bringing food back up (regurgitation), feeling full sooner than normal or after eating less than usual, feeling like food is stuck behind the breastbone, heartburn, low blood count (anemia) that cannot be explained, pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, or swallowing problems or pain with swallowing.

The esophagus, stomach, and duodenum should be smooth and of normal color during the procedure, and there should be no bleeding, growths, ulcers, or inflammation. An abnormal EGD may be the result of celiac disease (damage to the lining of the small intestine from a reaction to eating gluten), esophageal varices (swollen veins in the lining of the esophagus caused by liver disease), or other conditions.

An EGD procedure is primarily a diagnostic procedure, but it can also be used therapeutically to treat problems that are found during the exam. For example, during an EGD procedure, abnormal growths can be removed,...