In performing upper endoscopy, Dr. Carlson, through the mouth would place a long, flexible black tube with a light and video camera on one end to examine the esophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine. This is called the duodenum.

When would an EGD be performed?

• evaluating heartburn or GERD
• bleeding from the upper GI tract
• dysphagia - food stuck in the esophagus and choking while eating
• reflux esophagitis
• peptic stricture
• Barrett's
• hiatal hernia