An esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a procedure that allows direct examination of the upper portion of the gastrointestinal tract. This covers the esophagus, the stomach, and the first segment of the small intestine. For individuals experiencing unexplained digestive symptoms, the exam enables healthcare professionals to identify physical causes that may be overlooked by imaging or laboratory tests. Here is more information about the role of EGD in diagnosing gastrointestinal disorders:
Evaluate Symptoms
Digestive disorders often cause discomfort that disrupts daily life, with symptoms such as:
- Persistent heartburn
- Frequent acid reflux
- Trouble swallowing
- Upper abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Sometimes, these symptoms do not respond to typical treatments, prompting investigation using an EGD. Directly observing the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum allows a doctor to gather more reliable information than through patient reports or less detailed imaging. Some individuals experience subtle bleeding from ulcers that are not visible with non-invasive procedures. Inflammation, strictures, or erosions along the gastrointestinal tract become visible, helping the doctor assess the underlying issue.
Seeing physical changes firsthand allows a healthcare provider to acquire visual evidence to support a diagnosis. This provides context for symptoms and may reduce the time spent searching for answers. An EGD may also be used to assess less common symptoms, such as chronic cough or recurring chest discomfort that has no heart or lung cause.
Gather Images
An EGD creates high-quality, magnified images. As the endoscope passes through the upper GI tract, the camera sends real-time footage to an external monitor. The photos are clear and detailed, allowing careful inspection of tissue surfaces for discoloration, bumps, polyps, or lesions.
Photo documentation allows images to be reviewed by additional specialists or compared with future images to monitor for changes over time. If a benign polyp is discovered in the stomach, a doctor might use these images as a reference point at follow-up exams. Subtle features, such as fine changes in the structure of the esophageal lining or small erosions caused by long-term medication use, are more easily spotted and recorded.
Images collected during EGD become part of the patient’s medical history. They serve as a visual record that helps track disease progression. They also support referrals for second opinions and contribute to the broader understanding of rare or complex conditions.
Take Biopsies
The ability to take biopsies during an EGD provides additional benefits. When irregular, inflamed, or unusual tissue appears, the doctor uses small instruments threaded through the endoscope to collect samples for laboratory analysis. This is done quickly and with minimum discomfort.
Biopsy samples are analyzed by a pathologist who studies them under a microscope. They look for features such as abnormal cell growth, the presence of specific infections, or evidence of certain diseases. Patches of the stomach lining can be examined for particular bacteria if ulcer disease or chronic gastritis is suspected. Biopsies also help diagnose conditions such as celiac disease, which are not always apparent through visual examination.
Schedule an EGD Today
By evaluating symptoms, gathering clear images, and analyzing tissue samples, an EGD provides healthcare professionals with detailed information. These steps form a sequence for identifying sources of discomfort that might otherwise be overlooked. If your digestive symptoms are recurring or do not improve with standard methods, seeking professional advice may help you better understand your situation and explore available investigative options. To learn more about what EGD involves, contact a digestive disease specialist today.
