This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by
Maurie Markman, MD, President, Medicine & Science.
This page was reviewed on March 3, 2022.
Your upper digestive tract consists of your esophagus, stomach and duodenum, which is where your small intestine starts. Sometimes, it’s necessary for doctors to examine the lining of your upper digestive tract. An upper endoscopy may be the best way to see it.
Your doctor may refer to an upper endoscopy as an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD. They are the same procedure. Another term that may be used for it is gastroscopy.
During an upper endoscopy, a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and small video camera is inserted into your mouth and threaded down your throat into your esophagus and stomach until it reaches your small intestine.
The procedure is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.
First, your throat is sprayed with numbing medicine. Or, you may be asked to gargle with a liquid that numbs the throat.
Next, you’ll be asked to lie on your left side on the examination table and given a sedative. Some sedatives keep you drowsy but awake. If necessary, your doctor may perform your upper endoscopy under general anesthesia. Speak with your doctor about which option is best for you.
A mouthpiece is placed to keep your mouth open during the procedure.
The scope is guided down your throat as far as the start of your small intestine. Doctors are able to see images of your digestive tract and to examine specific areas of concern. They can take color photographs for further review.
Sometimes, it’s necessary to pump air into your stomach so the images are easier to see.
The procedure takes about 15 minutes to a half hour.
You will be observed for a while to make sure you’re OK and until the sedative wears off. You should be able to go home after a few hours. In rare cases, some people may stay in the hospital overnight.
An upper endoscopy provides better detail than a CT scan or an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series, which uses X-rays.
However, there are some risks to consider. These include:
If you have any symptoms that are unexplained, including bleeding that doesn’t stop, call your doctor’s office and ask what you should do.
Results typically take a few days. If you had a biopsy during the procedure, the results may take a little longer. The samples that were taken need to be studied in a pathology laboratory.
Your doctors should follow up with you once the results are available. The results can help guide your treatment.