Echoendoscopy is a procedure that combines endoscopy and ultrasound. On the one hand, endoscopy consists of exploring the digestive tract by means of a tube inserted through the mouth or anus. On the other hand, ultrasound is a technique that makes it possible to see the organs inside and around them. In this sense, echoendoscopy allows an ultrasound scan to be performed through the digestive tract.
This technology allows access to structures that are not very accessible, making it possible to detect diseases that would not be possible to diagnose without this technique, such as very small stones in the gall bladder or bile ducts.
Physically, echoendoscopy combines a flexible endoscope adapted to an ultrasound probe. This makes it possible to obtain much sharper images, not only of the interior, but also of the exterior of the organ, the surrounding structures and the different layers of the wall of the digestive tract.
Echoendoscopy is not only a diagnostic technique, but also makes it possible to take samples from adjacent organs to analyze the origin of the lesion. Previously, this had to be done radiologically and was more complicated and uncomfortable. In addition, on some occasions it was not possible to access the point to be analyzed.
The sample is taken with a puncture performed with a different echoendoscope. The digestive system specialist performs this puncture during the examination, with the help of an expert in pathological anatomy who assesses in situ whether the sample is sufficient for a diagnosis of the lesion.
In which cases is this technique indicated?
The indications for this technique are diverse:
- Pancreatic cyst
- Gallbladder or bile duct stones suspected but not seen by other imaging tests
- Pancreatitis of unknown cause
- Lesions in the deep walls of the stomach or esophagus.
- Local extension of certain neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract.
In order to perform an endoscopic ultrasound, it is important to perform a series of previous imaging tests so that the specialist can evaluate the entire clinical picture: previous examinations, CT scans, MRI scans and other endoscopies. This is a complex test, which is performed in advanced stages of the diagnostic process.
This technique makes it possible to determine the extent of digestive tumors at a local level, whether there are affected lymph nodes in the surrounding area, and other elements that help to plan the most appropriate treatment.
In recent years, this technique has been greatly developed, allowing diagnosis and therapeutic procedures to be carried out. It is an evolving technique that has made it possible to access structures that are not very accessible with other techniques, and that has a very important role in the development of advanced endoscopic treatments that avoid complex surgeries.