EGD - esophagogastroduodenoscopy

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Gastric endoscopy

The local anesthetic makes swallowing difficult. This wears off shortly after the procedure. The endoscope may stimulate some gagging in the back of the throat. There may be a sensation of gas, and the movement of the scope may be felt in the abdomen. Biopsies cannot be felt. Because of the intravenous sedation, you may not feel any discomfort and may have no memory of the test.

This test is helpful in determining:

• The cause of upper GI (gastrointestinal) bleeding
• The cause of swallowing difficulties
• The presence of ulcerations or inflammation
• The cause of abdominal pain 
• The condition of the stomach and duodenum after an operation
• The presence of tumors or other abnormalities of the upper GI tract
• Narrowing or tumors of the esophagus

Review Date: 05/08/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.