Endoscopic Ultrasound

An echoendoscopy combines an ultrasound with an endoscopy.

1. Endoscopic ultrasound of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, and bile ducts

The endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera at the tip) is inserted into the gastrointestinal tract through the mouth. The small ultrasound probe allows for visualization of the various layers of the digestive tract wall. Surrounding organs and lymph nodes can also be visualized in this way. The examination provides detailed information about the gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas, a portion of the liver, stomach, adrenal gland, esophagus, and the space between the lungs. If necessary, tissue samples can be taken immediately by inserting a fine hollow needle through the wall of the digestive tract into a tumor or lymph node.

2. Endoscopic ultrasound of the rectum

The endoscope is inserted about 20 centimeters into the intestine through the anus. This examination allows for the detection of abnormalities in the wall of the rectum or the sphincter muscle. An echoendoscopy is primarily a diagnostic procedure intended to determine the nature and extent of a lesion.
Before the procedure begins, please
inform the staff of:

• any allergies.
• heart and/or lung problems, heart valves.
• Taking blood-thinning medication, such as aspirin-containing preparations like Plavix, Marcoumar, Clopidogrel, Ticlid, Xarelto, Pradaxa, Eliquis, Brilique, Marevan, Sintrom… In certain cases, blood-thinning medication will be discontinued, in consultation with the doctor. Taking low-dose aspirin, such as Asaflow, is not a problem.
• if you are pregnant or might be pregnant.

1. Endoscopic ultrasound of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, and bile ducts

• You must fast for at least 6 hours before the test. This means you should not eat, drink, or smoke.
• The nurse will ask you to remove any dentures and take off your glasses or contact lenses. A patient gown will be waiting for you.
• If the procedure is performed at the outpatient clinic, ask a family member or friend to drive you home afterward. You must not drive a vehicle after general anesthesia. Do not plan any important activities for after the procedure. Your concentration and judgment may be impaired.
• This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and therefore requires a (same-day) hospital stay. The nurse will insert a needle into a vein in your arm so that the anesthesiologist can administer the anesthesia through it. 
• During the exam, you will lie on your left side with a mouthpiece between your teeth and lips to prevent you from biting the endoscope.
• During the test, the oxygen level in your blood is continuously monitored. This is done using a small device placed on your finger. You will also be given a pair of oxygen goggles to wear over your nose.
• The procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes. After the procedure, you will rest in the recovery room in the endoscopy department.

2. Endoscopic ultrasound of the rectum

• You do not need to be admitted to the hospital for this test.
• Before the exam, an enema will be administered through the anus. This will cause you to feel the urge to have a bowel movement and go to the bathroom. This flushes out the last section of the colon, giving the doctor a clearer view during the exam.
• The examination is performed on the left side.
• You don't have to be sober.
• Since no anesthesia is administered, you may drive the car yourself.
• This survey takes 15 minutes to complete.

Your throat may feel a little sore after an oral exam. Your stomach may feel slightly bloated for a short time.

This procedure carries few risks or complications. Perforation of the stomach, esophagus, or intestinal tract is extremely rare (0.06%). In this case, you will need to undergo another endoscopy or, in rare cases, surgery. Bleeding resulting from echoendoscopy is rare (0.1%) and can usually be treated immediately without surgery. Every precaution is taken to minimize discomfort and risks.