Endoscopic ultrasound (USE) combines the technique of ultrasound and endoscopy to obtain information and images of the wall of the digestive system, as well as the surrounding tissues and organs.

This combination of techniques is very interesting. By being able to introduce the ultrasonic transducer inside the body, it allows us to place it very close to the area that is of interest to study, with which the fineness of images is much more detailed than with conventional ultrasound, which allows a much more accurate diagnosis and accurate.

 

 

What does the study consist of?

 

 

Endoscopic ultrasound is performed in a similar way to a digestive tract endoscopy, that is, it consists of passing a thin flexible tube (endoscope) through the patient's mouth or anus. A small ultrasound transducer located at the tip of the endoscope produces sound waves that create images of surrounding tissue.

There are two types of endoscopic ultrasound: One uses a transducer that generates a 360-degree radial image, and the other is a linear transducer that uses Doppler ultrasound to differentiate solid structures from blood vessels. The latter allows biopsies of lymph nodes and tumors to be performed using a fine aspiration needle; makes it possible to drain abdominal fluid collections (pancreatic cysts and pseudocysts) and can perform nerve blocks for pain management.

Being a very effective and minimally invasive procedure, it is considered a better alternative to surgical procedures.

 

What is its utility?

 

 

To stage or evaluate the extent of gastrointestinal and mediastinal tumors including: cancer of the esophagus, stomach, rectum, pancreas, and liver.

Endoscopic ultrasound can accurately determine the depth of tumor invasion in each of the layers of the wall of the affected organ and thus be able to specify the most appropriate treatment method (endoscopic or surgical resection).

Examines the size, shape, and appearance of nearby lymph nodes, determining whether the cancer has spread to them. It allows taking biopsies to confirm the diagnosis histologically.

It can detect gallstones more accurately than conventional ultrasound, resonance cholangiopancreatography, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Evaluates submucosal masses and thickened folds in the digestive tract to investigate the presence of cancer or benign tumors located in the different layers of the wall.

Investigates diseases of other internal organs, such as the pancreas (chronic pancreatitis, cysts, benign tumors, and cancer).