EGD is a visual examination of the upper intestinal tract using a lighted, flexible, thin, fiber-optic endoscope. The upper GI tract begins with the mouth and continues with the esophagus or food pipe which deilvers food to the stomach. The stomach secretes a potent acid and churns food into small particles. The food then enters the duodenum, or small bowel, where bile from the liver and digestive fluid from the pancreas mix to help the digestive process.
For various reasons related to diet, environment, genetics, and infection, the upper GI tract is the site of numerous disorders. Upper GI endoscopy helps in diagnosing, and often in treating, these conditions: