Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (pronounced: e-sof-uh-go-gas-tro-doo-uh-den-os-kuh-pee), often abbreviated as EGD, is a diagnostic procedure used to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) using a flexible tube called an endoscope.

Etymology

The term "Esophagogastroduodenoscopy" is derived from the following Greek roots: "esophagus" (meaning gullet), "gastro" (meaning stomach), "duodeno" (meaning duodenum), and "scopy" (meaning to look or to examine).

Procedure

During an EGD, the patient is sedated and the endoscope is passed through the mouth and throat, into the esophagus, allowing the doctor to view these areas and identify any abnormalities. This can include conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer.

Related Terms

Endoscopy: A broader term for procedures that involve examining the inside of the body using an endoscope.
Colonoscopy: A similar procedure to an EGD, but used to examine the colon.
Gastroenterologist: A doctor who specializes in the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.

Risks and Complications

As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with an EGD. These can include reactions to sedation, bleeding, infection, and perforation of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum.