Definition: Upper endoscopy enables the physician to look inside the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (first part of the small intestine). The procedure might be used to discover the reason for swallowing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, reflux, bleeding, indigestion, abdominal pain, or chest pain.
For the procedure you will swallow a thin, flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope (EN-doh-skope). Right before the procedure the physician will spray your throat with a numbing agent that may help prevent gagging. You may also receive pain medicine and a sedative to help you relax during the exam. The endoscope transmits an image of the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, so the physician can carefully examine the lining of these organs. The scope also blows air into the stomach; this expands the folds of tissue and makes it easier for the physician to examine the stomach.
Pronunciation: eh-SAH-fuh-goh-GAS-troh-doo-AH-duh-NAH-skuh-pee
Also Known As: EGD or esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Common Misspellings: endosocopy
Examples: Dr. Smith performed an EDG to see if there was a blockage causing Mr. Jones swallowing problems.