Esophagoscopy

Esophagoscopy is an endoscopic procedure that involves inserting a flexible or rigid tube-shaped viewing device into the mouth and then advancing into the esophagus.

When an endoscope is used to view the esophagus and parts of the upper digestive tract (the stomach and the first section of the small intestine), it is called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), also sometimes referred to as an upper endoscopy. However, it is not an esophagoscopy.

Why is an esophagoscopy performed?

Esophagoscopy is performed to diagnose and treat health issues in the esophagus. It may be used to:

• Take small tissue samples (biopsies)
• Identify and remove abnormal tissue
• Identify and retrieve foreign bodies
• Identify areas of narrowing. Esophageal narrowing can be congenital (meaning present at birth) or can be acquired (resulting, for example, from surgery or inflammation).
• Dilate a stricture (an abnormal narrowing), or for incision of narrow areas
• Place tubes in the stomach or esophagus for feeding or testing
• Perform endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure therapy for esophageal leaks
• Inject medication, such as steroids, into scar tissue

Health issues that may prompt a doctor to recommend an esophagoscopy include:

• Esophageal cancer
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Swallowing issues (dysphagia)
• Upper abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Suspected foreign body ingestion
• Strictures, acquired or congenital