An upper endoscopy, also called an EGD, is a minimally invasive way to look inside your upper digestive tract. Your gastroenterologist passes a thin, flexible tube with a small camera through your mouth to view the esophagus and stomach in real time. You are comfortably sedated the whole time, and most procedures take only 10 to 20 minutes.
It is one of the most useful tools we have for getting answers when something in the upper GI tract is not working right. Because we can see the lining directly, we can spot problems a scan or blood test might miss, and we can sample or treat tissue during the same visit.
If you have been dealing with heartburn, trouble swallowing, ongoing stomach pain, or unexplained symptoms, an upper endoscopy often gives us the clear picture we need to plan your care.
What it helps us find
Looking directly at the esophagus and stomach lets us diagnose and monitor a wide range of conditions, including:
- GERD and acid reflux, along with esophagitis and irritation of the esophagus
- Barrett’s esophagus, a change in the lining that we like to watch closely
- Celiac disease, often confirmed with a small tissue sample
- Gastritis and peptic ulcers
- Crohn’s disease affecting the upper tract
- Swallowing disorders, narrowing, and other structural problems
- Tumors and other growths
When we find something, we can frequently take a biopsy or treat the area during the same procedure, which saves you a second visit.
Preparing for your upper endoscopy
Good preparation keeps the exam safe and gives us the clearest view. In general:
- Stick to clear liquids the evening before, and follow the fasting instructions we give you so your stomach is empty.
- Tell us about your medications. You may need to stop blood thinners such as aspirin ahead of time.
- If you take medication for diabetes or blood pressure, ask us how to adjust it on the day of your procedure.
We will go over your full instructions with you in advance, so you know exactly what to do. If anything is unclear, just call our office.
What to expect during the procedure
You will rest on your left side while we give you sedation through an IV, so you stay relaxed and comfortable. Once you are sedated, the scope is gently guided through your mouth to examine the esophagus and stomach. Most exams are finished in 10 to 20 minutes.
Because the camera sends a live view, your gastroenterologist can study the lining carefully and act on anything that needs attention while you rest.
After your upper endoscopy
You will spend a short time with us while the sedation wears off, so plan to have someone drive you home. A little throat soreness afterward is normal and usually fades quickly. Most people feel back to themselves and return to normal activities the next day.
We will share what we found and explain any next steps. If we took a biopsy, we will follow up with those results and talk through your plan.
When to consider one
An upper endoscopy may be the right next step if you have persistent heartburn, difficulty or pain with swallowing, ongoing nausea or upper abdominal pain, or symptoms that have not improved with treatment. It is also how we keep an eye on conditions like Barrett’s esophagus over time. If you are not sure whether you need one, we are happy to help you decide.
Schedule your appointment
The Gastroenterology Group, board-certified gastroenterologists in Akron and Massillon, Ohio, is here to help you find answers and feel better. We welcome new patients. Request an appointment online or call us at (330) 869-0954, and our team will guide you through the next steps.