Endoscopic ultrasound
(Endosonography)A special endoscope with an ultrasound probe attached to its tip is used for endosonography. This technique enables the "internal" ultrasound of the walls of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum and also the examination of the neighboring organs in the upper abdomen, such as the pancreas. The examination takes slightly longer than a gastroscopy.
Endosonography is used in the case of cancer. It allows the precise assessment of tumors in the oesophagus, stomach and rectum. The penetration depth of the tumors and the infestation of lymph nodes can be determined very precisely. The pancreas and bile duct are also examined in detail. The method can also be used to take samples from organs that are difficult to access, such as the pancreas. Such punctures are usually carried out under inpatient conditions, while purely diagnostic examinations can be performed on an outpatient basis.
The same recommendations apply to preparation for the examination as for a gastroscopy.