Procedures We Perform: Endoscopic Services and More!
Your doctor has recommended that you have an EGD, also known as an upper GI endoscopy. This video will help you to understand this minimally invasive procedure. Let’s begin by reviewing information about your body. The gastrointestinal, GI tract, begins with the mouth. This tract or path for digestion, continues past the throat to the esophagus, a tube that carries food to the stomach. In the stomach, pieces of food are broken down further. These partially digested bits then pass to the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. Together, these structures are considered the upper GI tract. EGD stands for the medical name of this endoscopic service. “E” stands for esophagus, “g” for gastro which means stomach and “d” for duodenum. This procedure is done using a long flexible instrument called a scope, that has a light and camera at the tip. When necessary, tools can be guided through the scope to biopsy and treat this hard to reach area of the body. During this procedure, the lining of the upper GI tract is inspected to investigate GI symptoms and digestive issues , such as difficulty swallowing and heartburn; abnormal tests, commonly anemia, and, other suspected disease, such as celiac disease, ulcers, or cancer.
Suspicious lesions may be removed or biopsied. If tissue samples are collected, they are sent to a pathology lab for examination. An EGD can be recommended as necessary to treat some problems. With an EGD a doctor is often able to stop severe upper GI bleeding. In other situations, food chunks, and other stuck objects can be reached and gently removed. An EGD can also be used to stretch and dilate an esophagus that is narrow from scar tissue or other problems. Patient Education and Patient Engagement Company
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