Upper endoscopy

Upper endoscopy, also called oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD) is a procedure which involves endoscopic examination of the entire upper GI-tract, the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It's a commonly used procedure which can be used to evaluate a variety of conditions in three different organs. It uses a flexible scope.

Indications

Upper endoscopy is used acutely in case of suspected acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Other indications include:

• Dysphagia
• Gastric cancer
• Peptic ulcer disease
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Hiatal hernia
• Oesophagitis
• Pyloric stenosis (in children)
• Foreign body

During the procedure, several instruments may be used to treat pathology, such as diathemy to treat polyps. One can also make biopsy, cytology, or microbiological tests.

Endoscopic ultrasonography

Upper endoscopy can be combined with ultrasound, called endoscopic ultrasonography or endosonograpgy. Ultrasound from inside the upper GI tract sometimes allows for better visualisation of the oesophagus, pancreas, biliary tree, and mediastinum than cross-sectional imaging (CT or MRI) or abdominal ultrasound.

This is especially used in case of oesophageal cancer, to determine depth and spread.

Complications

Complications are rare but may include perforation or bleeding. ‎