Echoendoscopy
"Echoendoscopy is a very useful diagnostic technique, since it allows us to take samples of the lesions found and even apply the appropriate treatment. All of this, in the same procedure".
DR. JOSÉ CARLOS SÚBTIL ÍÑIGO SPECIALIST. DIGESTIVE DEPARTMENT
What is an echoendoscopy?
Echoendoscopy is a diagnostic technique and, in some cases, with the possibility of applying treatments, which consists of the combination of a flexible endoscope and an ultrasound device.
By using an ultrasound probe, it allows much sharper images and a more detailed visualization of the different layers that make up the wall of the digestive tract.
An echoendoscopy allows:
- The direct visualization of the interior of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, rectum and sigma.
- The ultrasound visualization of the interior of its wall, as well as the structures that surround these viscera (mediastinum, pancreatic region, biliary tract and pelvic cavity).
When is echoendoscopy indicated?
The main use of echoendoscopy is the local staging of both benign and malignant tumors growing in the mediastinum, pancreatic region, bile duct and pelvic cavity.
It accurately determines the depth a tumor reaches, whether or not it invades neighboring organs and whether it affects nodes near the tumor. It is also useful in the early detection of possible recurrences of already treated tumors.
It is useful to visualize and characterize some other non-tumoral lesions located in the proximity of the digestive tract. By using a special ultrasound scanner and needle, material can be obtained to be studied under the microscope and give a precise diagnosis.
In experienced hands it is the technique that best guides the surgeon in deciding the most appropriate treatment.
Diseases in which an echoendoscopy is requested:
Pain from pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis can be treated by ultrasound. This is done by locating the nerves that transmit this pain, puncturing them and injecting some drugs that block nerve transmission.
Another application is the emptying of some cysts or abscesses near the digestive tract.
Do you have any of these diseases?
You may need to have an echoendoscopy
How is echoendoscopy performed?
Performing the echoendoscopy
The doctor who is going to perform the exploration will explain to you what it consists of, what it is intended to achieve with it, what approximate time it will last, what risks it has and what you must do to collaborate and tolerate it well.
If the exploration is of the high digestive tube, they will put a plastic mouthpiece to ptroger your teeth. Also, an anesthesiologist will put you to sleep and you will not notice anything.
If the scan is of the rectum, it is usually done without sleep or sedation because the test is not uncomfortable or painful.
If you have any disease of the ano-rectal region that is painful, in that case you can be sedated or even put to sleep so that you do not feel pain.
The exploration is carried out by introducing the apparatus through the mouth or the anus, studying the area of the digestive tract that is of interest and, if necessary, introducing auxiliary material through the echoendoscope itself.
These explorations have a very variable duration depending on what is intended to be studied with them, but in general they last a minimum of 10 or 15 minutes to a maximum of 2 hours.
Preparation for endoscopy
The preparation is generally the same as for gastroscopy or colonoscopy, depending on whether it is a high or low endoscopy.
If it is a high endoscopy, you must fast for at least 8 hours, including water. Sometimes you will be asked to follow a liquid diet the day before the test. If you are required to take any medication, you will do so with a minimum amount of water and you will inform the doctor performing the test.
If it is a low endoscopy, you should take the day before a preparation with laxatives that adequately clean the large intestine.
If the patient has any alteration in blood coagulation or takes medication that alters it, he/she should inform the doctor before the test, especially if a puncture is going to be performed to obtain material.span
If the patient is allergic to latex, he/she should inform it before the test.
After endoscopy
It is advisable to come accompanied by a family member or friend. After the exploration, if it has been under anesthesia, you should wait a while to be clear until the anesthesiologist discharges you and you can leave the endoscopy unit.
You should wait a few minutes before trying to ingest liquids or food, since this may cause choking or vomiting problems due to the anesthetics used.
You should not drink alcohol or drive for the next 24 hours. If the exploration has been rectal and without sedation or anesthesia, you will usually be able to resume your normal life almost immediately.
There may be some temporary discomfort after the examination such as sore throat and bloating and/or abdominal pain due to gas retention. Most echoendoscopies are usually done on an outpatient basis.
In some cases, when an exploration of the upper or lower gastrointestinal tract is to be performed, in which it is necessary to perform a therapeutic maneuver or puncture, depending on the characteristics of this, hospitalization will be recommended for better preparation and subsequent control.
Possible risks of endoscopy
The most frequent risks are minor and temporary, such as those mentioned in the previous section. Other more serious but very infrequent risks are hemorrhage and intestinal perforation.
Even more serious risks, such as cardiorespiratory arrest, are absolutely exceptional and occur in elderly, very serious or critically ill patients.
Other risks due to some specific maneuvers that may be necessary in your case will be explained to you before the test and you will have the possibility to solve your doubts with the specialist who is going to perform the test.
In any case, the patient will authorize the test by signing an informed consent form.
Where do we do it?
IN NAVARRE AND MADRID
The Department of Digestive
of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra
The Digestive Department of the Clinica Universidad de Navarra is composed of a multidisciplinary team of specialists who are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive tract.
Our objective is that each diagnosis be carefully established and the treatment plan adjusted to each patient.
Why at the Clinica?
- Medical specialists who are national references.
- Specialized nursing team.
- Endoscopy Unit and High Risk Digestive Tumor Prevention and Consultation Unit to offer the best care to our patients.
Our team of professionals
