Which endoscopic procedure visualizes the upper GI tract up to the duodenum?

• A. Esophagoscopy
• B. Capsule endoscopy
• C. EGD
• D. Upper endoscopy

Answer: (C)

The test is about a procedure designed to directly inspect the entire upper GI tract from the esophagus through the stomach and into the first part of the duodenum. This is esophagogastroduodenoscopy, abbreviated EGD. It uses a flexible endoscope passed through the mouth to visualize the mucosa of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, and it allows biopsies or therapeutic interventions if needed. Capsule endoscopy, by contrast, involves swallowing a tiny camera to image the small intestine and doesn’t provide reliable views of the esophagus or stomach or allow biopsies. Esophagoscopy looks only at the esophagus. While upper endoscopy is a common synonym for the same procedure, the exam-specific term you're expected to know is EGD.