EGD medical abbreviation
EGD is the abbreviation for esophagogastroduodenoscopy. This medical procedure involves the examination of the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum) using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a light and camera. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is commonly performed by gastroenterologists like Dr. Christos Zavos to diagnose and treat various gastrointestinal conditions.
What is an EGD used to diagnose?
Some of the common reasons for performing an EGD include:
- Gastric Ulcers and Duodenal Ulcers: EGD can help identify the presence of ulcers in the stomach (gastric ulcers) or the first part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers).
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): EGD is utilized to assess the severity of GERD, a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus.
- Barrett’s Esophagus: This procedure is crucial in diagnosing Barrett’s esophagus, a condition in which the lining of the esophagus changes, potentially leading to a higher risk of esophageal cancer.
- Celiac Disease: EGD can be employed to take biopsies of the small intestine to confirm or rule out celiac disease.
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding: The source of gastrointestinal bleeding, whether in the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum, can be identified through EGD.
- Inflammation and Infections: EGD helps in diagnosing inflammation, infections, or other abnormalities in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
- Difficulty Swallowing: If a patient experiences difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), EGD can reveal the cause, such as strictures or other obstructions.
- Tumors and Polyps: EGD can be instrumental in detecting tumors or polyps in the upper gastrointestinal tract.
For more detailed information or if you have specific concerns about this procedure, patients are encouraged to contact Dr. Christos Zavos through the Contact Form on peptiko.gr, by calling at phone numbers: (+30)-6976596988 and (+30)-2311283833, or by sending an email at czavos@ymail.com.