PROCEDURE DeSCRIPTION

Upper GI endoscopy, also called EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy), is a visual examination of the upper intestinal tract using a lighted, flexible video endoscope. The upper gastrointestinal tract begins with the mouth and continues with the esophagus (food tube) which carries food to the stomach and then to the duodenum.

The esophagus is the long, narrow food tube (gullet) that carries food and liquid from the mouth to the stomach. It can become blocked or injured in a variety of ways. Esophageal dilatation is the technique used to stretch or open the blocked portion of the esophagus.

Colonoscopy is the visual examination of the large intestine (colon) using a lighted, flexible video endoscope. The colon begins in the right-lower abdomen and looks like a big question mark as it moves up and around the abdomen, ending in the rectum.

Sigmoidoscopy is the visual examination of the inside of the rectum and sigmoid colon, using a lighted, flexible video endoscope. The last part of the colon, just above the rectum, is called the sigmoid colon.