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What is OGD in medical terms?

Published in Medical Procedures 2 mins read

OGD in medical terms stands for OesophagoGastroDuodenoscopy, a procedure to examine the upper digestive tract. It's more commonly known as a gastroscopy or endoscopy.

Understanding OGD (OesophagoGastroDuodenoscopy)

OGD allows doctors to visualize the:

  • Oesophagus (food pipe)
  • Stomach
  • Duodenum (the first part of the small bowel)

This is achieved using a gastroscope, which is a narrow, flexible tube with a camera attached.

What does an OGD involve?

An OGD is a procedure where a doctor uses a gastroscope, a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera, to view the lining of your oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Why is OGD performed?

OGD can be used for various reasons, including:

  • Investigating symptoms like abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, or persistent nausea.
  • Diagnosing conditions such as ulcers, gastritis, or cancer.
  • Taking biopsies (tissue samples) for further analysis.
  • Treating certain conditions, such as stopping bleeding from ulcers.

Other Names for OGD

Here is a table listing the other common names for the OGD procedure:

Abbreviation Medical Term Common Name(s)
OGD OesophagoGastroDuodenoscopy Gastroscopy, Endoscopy

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