Brief description:
Gastroscopy (EGD) is an
examination of the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and
upper duodenum with a small camera (flexible endoscope)
which is inserted down the throat. It is a minimally
invasive procedure used for both diagnosis and treatment
and usually done with local anesthetic spray and short
acting sedatives.
Diagnostic indications for EGD
includes upper GI bleeding, persistent dyspepsia,
unexplained anemia, heart burn or chronic acid reflux,
persistent dysphagia or vomiting, painful swallowing,
monitoring of known gastric ulcer or cancer. Therapeutic
indications include treatment of esophageal varices
(banding), injection or temponade for bleeding,
resection of polyps, removal of foreign bodies etc. The
complication rate is about 1 in 1000. They include
throat injury, aspiration, bleeding, perforation,
cardiopulmonary problems.