Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, or EGD, is considered to be a very low risk procedure during which a small flexible endoscope is introduced through the mouth and advanced through the esophagus (throat), into the stomach and first few inches of the duodenum (small intestine). EGD can be used for both diagnostic testing as well as for therapeutic purposes. Occasionally a physician may obtain very small tissue samples (biopsies) or may remove small fleshy growths, called polyps, during the procedure. Most specimens removed are sent to a laboratory for analysis and the patient receives a report within several weeks. The procedure is usually completed within 20 minutes and is routinely performed under monitored anesthesia care. Patients usually have little or no memory of the examination.