Where, what, how and more Colonoscopy Preparation for Colonoscopy Polypectomy Upper Endoscopy | EGD Preparation for EGD Sedation & Monitoring Complications After Procedure Care Virtual Colonoscopy Upper Endoscopy An upper endoscopy or EGD is a very safe procedure that gives your doctor information that other tests may not be able to provide. The test involves swallowing a small lighted instrument; it allows seeing the inside of the esophagus, the stomach, and the duodenum. Indications for Upper Endoscopy: persistent nausea and vomiting upper abdominal pain heartburn, or acid reflux symptoms acid or burning sensation the throat or chest gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (vomiting blood or blood found in the stool) difficulty swallowing abnormal or unclear findings on an x-ray removal of a foreign body for follow-up on previously found polyps (growths), tumors, or ulcers to stretch or dilate narrowed areas If the doctor sees a suspicious area, he can pass an instrument through the endoscope and take a small piece of tissue, a "biopsy". Biopsies are taken for many reasons and do not necessarily imply cancer. Other instruments can also be passed through the endoscope without causing discomfort, like a small brush to wipe cells from suspicious areas. When polyps are found a wire loop (snare) to remove polyps can also be done.