If you have symptoms that indicate a possible problem in your esophagus, stomach, or upper small intestine, the team at Florida Digestive Specialists may recommend an upper endoscopy, also known as an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). This common diagnostic and therapeutic procedure gives your provider the answers needed to treat the underlying problem and get you back on the road to health and wellness. Because gastroenterologists specialize in endoscopic procedures, it only takes about 15-30 minutes to perform your EGD and identify and treat any issues in your upper GI tract. To schedule an appointment, call one of the offices in St. Petersburg, Florida or use the online booking feature.

An upper endoscopy — medically known as an esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD — is an examination of the upper part of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This includes your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, the first part of your small intestine just beyond your stomach.

To perform an EGD, your doctor at Florida Digestive Specialists uses an endoscope: a thin, flexible tube equipped with a high-definition camera and fiber optic lighting. As your doctor gently guides the scope through your mouth and down through your esophagus, stomach, and into the duodenum, the camera transmits detailed images that allow a close visual examination of the tissues lining your upper GI tract.

Beyond diagnosis, an EGD is also therapeutic. By passing specialized instruments through the endoscope, your doctor can take biopsies, remove polyps or tumors, open blockages, stop bleeding, and remove objects — all during the same procedure.

Your provider gives you detailed instructions on how to prepare. You shouldn’t eat or drink for at least eight hours before the exam, since your doctor needs a clear view of your upper GI tract. You may also need to adjust your medication schedule, including certain blood thinners — your provider will work out the details with you ahead of time.

When you arrive for your EGD, you receive mild sedation and a local anesthetic for your throat. Your doctor then inserts the endoscope through your mouth and carefully examines your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. If needed, they can take a biopsy, remove polyps or tumors, stop bleeding, open a blockage, or remove objects using instruments passed through the scope.

The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes. Afterward, you’ll spend time in recovery until the sedative wears off, and you’ll need someone to drive you home. A mild sore throat is common for a short time afterward, and you may experience minor bleeding if a large polyp was removed. Otherwise, side effects are rare.

If you have questions about an upper endoscopy (EGD) or need to schedule a procedure, call Florida Digestive Specialists or use the online booking feature.