Endoscopy

Upper GI Endoscopy

An upper GI endoscopy or EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) is a special exam of your upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This exam allows your doctor to look at the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus (throat), stomach, and the duodenal (upper) portion of the small intestine.

This exam may be performed when you have symptoms such as:

• Heartburn
• Difficulty swallowing
• Painful swallowing
• Bleeding
• Other upper GI symptoms

This exam can diagnose ulcers, gastritis, tumors, and causes of bleeding or pain. It may also be used to take biopsies, remove foreign objects (food) or polyps, stop bleeding, and open strictures (narrow areas).

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a special exam of your colon or lower gastrointestinal tract. This exam allows your doctor to look at the inside walls of your colon for abnormalities. This exam may be performed when you have symptoms of persistent diarrhea, blood in the stools, other unexplained intestinal symptoms, or for sceening for polyps or colon cancer.