The role of esophagogastroduodenoscopy in the diagnosis and management of upper gastrointestinal disorders

Esophagogastrocluodenoscopy (EGD) has revolutionized the science and practice of gastroenterology The scientific understanding of many upper gastrointestinal diseases, such as Barrett's esophagus and peptic ulcers, has been greatly advanced by EGD with endoscopic biopsy. Millions of diagnostic EGDs are performed annually in the United States for indications such as gastrointestinal bleeding, abdominal pain, and dysphagia. Therapeutic EGD is being increasingly performed for indications such as endoscopic hemostasis, variceal banding, or balloon dilatation. General internists, as well as other nongastroenterologists, must become familiar with the indications, contraindications, technique, sensitivity, limitations, and risks of this ubiquitous procedure. This article comprehensively reviews EGD, with a focus on diagnostic EGD.