Endoscopy

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Illustration showing endoscopy 
Endoscopy

Endoscopy is a procedure used to visually examine your upper digestive system with a tiny camera on the end of a long, flexible tube. A doctor who specializes in diseases of the digestive system (gastroenterologist) uses endoscopy to diagnose and, sometimes, treat conditions that affect the esophagus, stomach and beginning of the small intestine (duodenum).

Doctors often refer to endoscopy as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or upper endoscopy. Endoscopy may be done in your doctor's office, an outpatient surgery center or a hospital.

References
  1. Pasricha PJ. Gastrointestinal endoscopy. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/201609212-3/0/1492/0.html. Accessed May 26, 2010.
  2. Kimmey MB. Complications of gastrointestinal endoscopy. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisinger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/linkTo?type=bookHome&isbn=978-1-4160-6189-2&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6189-2..X0001-7--TOP&uniq=200844987-3. Accessed May 26, 2010.
  3. Upper GI endoscopy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/upperendoscopy/index.htm. Accessed May 25, 2010.
  4. Upper endoscopy. Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. http://www.sages.org/publication/id/PI16/. Accessed May 25, 2010.
  5. Preparing for an upper GI endoscopy. American Gastroenterological Association. http://www.gastro.org/patient-center/procedures/upper-gi-endoscopy. Accessed May 25, 2010.
  6. Upper endoscopy. Cancer.Net. http://www.cancer.net/patient/All+About+Cancer/Cancer.Net+Features/Cancer+Screening+and+Prevention/Upper+Endoscopy%26mdash%3BWhat+to+Expect. Accessed May 25, 2010.
  7. Picco MP (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. June 10, 2010.
MY00138 July 1, 2010

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