Upper Endoscopy

An upper endoscopy is a procedure during which your gastroenterologist is able to see inside your upper digestive system including your esophagus, stomach, and the duodenum (first part of the small intestine). The procedure is done to look for the reason for swallowing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, reflux, bleeding, indigestion, abdominal pain, or chest pain. The procedure might also be done to remove foreign bodies, stop bleeding, or open narrow areas in the esophagus (strictures). Upper endoscopy is also called EGD, which stands for the technical term for the procedure, esophagogastroduodenoscopy.