A picture of a stomach with an endoscope and light showing the inside of the stomach.

EGD Test (Esophagogastroduodenoscopy)

Question: What is an EGD Test?
Answer: Your doctor performs an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) to examine the lining of your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The esophagus is the muscular tube that connects your throat to your stomach and the duodenum, which is the upper part of your small intestine.

An endoscope is a small camera on a tube. An EGD test involves passing an endoscope down your throat and along the length of your esophagus.

Question: Why is the EGD test performed?
Answer: Your doctor may recommend an EGD test if you have certain symptoms, including:

severe, chronic heartburn
vomiting blood
black or tarry stools
regurgitating food
pain in your upper abdomen
unexplained anemia
persistent nausea or vomiting
unexplained weight loss
a feeling of fullness after eating less than usual
a feeling that food is lodged behind your breastbone
pain or difficulty swallowing

Your doctor may also use this test to help see how effectively a treatment is going or to track complications if you have:

Crohn's disease
peptic ulcers
cirrhosis
swollen veins in your lower esophagus

(Information received from https://www.healthline.com/health/egd-esopagogastroduodenoscopy#procedure)

Colonoscopy Test

Question: What is a colonoscopy?
Answer: During a colonoscopy, your doctor uses a thin, flexible camera to check for abnormalities or disease in your lower intestine or colon.

The colon is the lowest portion of the gastrointestinal tract that takes in food, absorbs nutrients, and disposes of waste. The colon is attached to the anus via the rectum. The anus is the opening in your body where feces are expelled.

During a colonoscopy, your doctor may also take tissue samples for biopsy. They may also remove abnormal tissue such as polyps.

Question: Why is a colonoscopy performed?
Answer: A colonoscopy can be done as a screening for colon cancer and other problems. The screening can help your doctor:

look for signs of cancers and other problems
explore the cause of unexplained changes in bowel habits
evaluate symptoms of pain or bleeding located in the abdominal area
find a reason for weight loss, chronic constipation, or diarrhea

Everyone over the age of 50 who is at average risk of colon cancer should get a colonoscopy once every 10 years. If you're at an increased risk, you may need more frequent procedures. The American College of Surgeons estimates that between 76 and 90 percent of colon cancer can be prevented through colonoscopy screening.

(Information on colonoscopy received from https://www.healthline.com/health/colonoscopy#procedure)