Although endoscopic methods are the most helpful in diagnosing diseases related to the digestive system, in some cases hidden masses and lesions cannot be determined. But by combining endoscopy and ultrasonography in a single device; diseases of the digestive system can be displayed. Thanks to this imaging, biopsy can be taken during the procedure, if necessary, and even sent for pathological examination.
What is EUS?
Endoscopy is a flexible instrument used to examine the digestive system. Ultrasonography is a device that enables images to be obtained from organs such as liver, gall bladder and pancreas with high frequency sound waves. Endosonography is a high-tech device that combines endoscopy and ultrasonography, allowing to examine the lower layers of the digestive system and surrounding tissues.
Endoscopic is known to be significantly effective in ultrasonography, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, rectum cancer, bile duct cancer, pancreatic cancer diagnosis, biopsy detection, early detection of cancer, investigation of recurrence findings in the postoperative follow-up, preoperative radiotherapy, in other words, if radiotherapy is given, the investigation of the regression in the tumor diameter around the rectum, examining cancer involvement in lymph nodes and vessels in neighboring organs (prostate, bladder, vagina) and determining the extent of the tumor (T1, T2, T3, T4).
IN WHICH DISEASES IS ENDOSONOGRAPHY (EUS) USED?
Esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, rectal cancer, bile duct cancer, pancreatic cancer diagnosis, biopsy, detection of cancer at an early stage, investigation of recurrence findings in postoperative follow-up, cancer involvement in lymph nodes and vessels around the rectum (prostate, bladder, vagina) Examining and determining the grade of the tumor (T1, T2, T3, T4)
Soft tissue tumors originating from the digestive system, submucosal lesions: Detection of tumors originating from the walls of organs such as esophagus, stomach, rectum, detection of tumors such as gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), leiomyoma, etc.
Biopsy of abdominal lymph nodes
Anal fistula: Diagnosis and classification, understanding the relationship of the fistula with the anal muscles (anal sphincter)
Gas and fecal incontinence: Assessing the thickness and condition of the anal canal muscles
Pancreatitis: Detection and evacuation of pseudocyst fluid and necrotic tissues (in the case of necrotizing pancreatitis) around the pancreas called '' pseudocyst '' in acute pancreatitis cases, evaluation of pancreatic organ and duct in case of chronic pancreatitis
Pain treatment with EUS in pancreatic cancers
Biopsy of masses in the liver
Emptying of the bile ducts blocked by cancer into the stomach or small intestine with EUS or stenting
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND?
The main advantage of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) gives an idea about the deep spread of the cancer and its involvement in the surrounding lymph nodes, vessels and organs in cases such as esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, rectal cancer, pancreatic cancer and rectal cancer, and provides the opportunity to take biopsies from these regions.
Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) or endosonography is superior to standard ultrasonography in taking biopsy samples from lymph nodes and showing blood flow within the vessels.
Since endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) or endosonography is performed by endoscopy, it is entered into the interior of the organs and thus images are taken much more closely and in detail.
With EUS, tissue samples can be taken from tumors originating from the digestive system and organs adjacent to the digestive system, and cysts etc. formations can be evacuated.
Since EUS shows the wall layers in the digestive system in detail, it is used in the staging of tumors in the digestive system or organs adjacent to the digestive system (tumor size and depth, lymph node and neighboring organ metastasis, etc.) and in the examination of lesions located under the epithelium in the digestive system.
HOW IS EUS PERFORMED?
EUS procedure is not different from classical endoscopy. EUS can be performed in both the upper (esophagus, stomach, and duodenum) and the lower digestive system (large intestine). In EUS, preparation before the procedure, points to be considered after the procedure and possible side effects related to the procedure are not different from those in classical endoscopy. EUS may take longer than normal endoscopy. During the procedure, which takes an average of 30 minutes, the patient is given drowsiness and pain medication. The process is carried out very comfortably. Patients who come to the hospital for EUS procedure are usually sent home after being followed up for a few hours after the procedure and can return to their normal daily lives the next day.
Frequently asked questions about endoscopic ultrasonography
What should be considered before the procedure?
Before the procedure, the doctor must be informed about the regularly used medications such as aspirin, heart, high blood pressure and diabetes medications and the existing diseases. It may be necessary to stop the pressure from the drugs before the procedure.
What is the next process?
It is recommended that the patient eat light and juicy meals within the recommended time after EUS procedure. The patient may experience burning and stinging for 1-2 days, therefore gargling with salt water may be recommended. If problems such as severe vomiting, nausea and high fever are encountered after the procedure, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
Prepared by Memorial Medical Editorial Board.
20 August 2024
11 May 2021
