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 |