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Answers from the inside

Upper endoscopy (EGD), explained simply.

When heartburn, swallowing difficulty, pain, or anemia needs answers, an upper endoscopy lets me look directly — and often treat what I find in the same procedure.

Quick answer

An EGD examines the esophagus, stomach, and first portion of the small intestine using a thin, flexible camera while you're sedated. It's the best test for evaluating reflux complications, ulcers, inflammation, celiac disease, and precancerous changes like Barrett's esophagus — with biopsies taken as needed.

When I recommend it

  • Frequent or long-standing heartburn, especially with alarm symptoms
  • Difficulty swallowing or food getting stuck
  • Persistent upper abdominal pain or nausea
  • Iron deficiency anemia or signs of GI bleeding
  • Confirming celiac disease with biopsies
  • Surveillance of Barrett's esophagus

What to expect

You'll avoid eating or drinking for at least eight hours beforehand so the stomach is empty. The procedure is brief — usually under 15 minutes — and done under sedation, so you'll need a ride home. If I see anything abnormal, I take biopsies during the same exam, and we review everything together afterward.

Common questions

Upper Endoscopy FAQs

What is an EGD (upper endoscopy)? +
An esophagogastroduodenoscopy lets me examine the esophagus, stomach, and first portion of the small intestine with a thin, flexible camera — commonly to evaluate heartburn, difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, nausea, anemia, or bleeding.
How should I prepare for an EGD? +
Most patients avoid eating or drinking for at least eight hours beforehand so the stomach is empty. Depending on your history and medications, you may get additional instructions — my office reviews everything with you ahead of time.
Can an endoscopy detect stomach cancer? +
Yes — upper endoscopy is the best test for evaluating the stomach lining and detecting cancer, ulcers, inflammation, or precancerous changes. If anything looks abnormal, I take biopsies during the same procedure.
What is Barrett's esophagus? +
A condition in which chronic acid reflux changes the lining of the lower esophagus. Most patients with Barrett's never develop cancer, but it's considered precancerous and deserves appropriate monitoring. Early diagnosis lets us reduce risk and decide whether surveillance or treatment is needed.
What causes difficulty swallowing? +
Acid reflux, inflammation, strictures, esophageal rings, motility disorders — and occasionally something more serious. Swallowing difficulty should always be evaluated rather than ignored, and upper endoscopy is often the key step in finding the cause.
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Ready when you are

Ready to schedule your upper endoscopy?

Request an appointment and the office will take it from there.