Explanation of Endoscopy Procedures

EGD (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy): Examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Esophageal Dilation:  Dilation tubes or balloons are used to stretch narrow areas of the esophagus.

Therapeutic Injection: An injection done with a small needle probe through the endoscope.  The needle is used to instill/inject a solution to the desired location.  The solution may sclerose (harden), vascoconstrict or cause swelling to stop/prevent bleeding.

Variceal Banding:  The physician places a small band around the varices to reduce the flow of blood to the vein in order to prevent further bleeding.

Flexible Sigmoidocopy:  Examination of all or a portion of the colon.  The procedure may involve collection of a specimen. 

Eteroscopy:  Small intestinal Endoscopy beyond the second portion of the duodenum and not including the ileum.  The procedure may involve collection of a specimen. 

Polypectomy:  Using a wire loop with or without electrical current, polyps (protruding growths) can be removed from the digestive tract; commonly done with Colonoscopy and less commonly with an EGD.

ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography):  Endoscopic technique for radiologic visualization of the biliary and/or pancreatic ducts during which the physician may place a stent, obtain a biopsy or remove stone from the ducts to promote adequate drainage.