What Is Endosonography?
Endoscopic ultrasonography is an imaging method used to examine the digestive system and surrounding organs in detail.
With an ultrasound probe attached to the tip of the endoscope, high-resolution images of internal organs are obtained. Structures such as the stomach, esophagus, pancreas, bile ducts, and lymph nodes can be evaluated in detail. Endosonography offers a major advantage in assessing areas that surface ultrasound cannot reach. It is used for both diagnosis and procedures such as biopsy. It is highly effective in cancer detection, staging, and differentiating cystic lesions.
How Is Endosonography Performed?
During the procedure, the patient receives mild sedation and the endoscope is guided through the mouth to the target area.
The ultrasound probe at the tip allows detailed imaging of internal organs and surrounding tissues. When necessary, fine needle aspiration biopsy can be performed during the procedure. This enables both visualization and tissue sampling of lesions. Endosonography typically takes 20 to 45 minutes and is generally painless. A short observation period follows. When performed by experienced teams, it provides high diagnostic accuracy.
What Is Endosonography Used For?
Endosonography plays an important role in diagnosing, staging, and obtaining biopsies for digestive system diseases.
It provides detailed tissue evaluation, especially in the pancreas, bile ducts, stomach, and esophagus. The ultrasound probe clearly visualizes surrounding tissues, lymph nodes, and vascular structures. In suspected cancer cases, it helps confirm diagnosis and assess spread. It is also used to evaluate cystic lesions and collect fluid samples. It is a minimally invasive method with high diagnostic precision.
When Is Endosonography Performed?
Endosonography is preferred in pancreatic cysts, suspected tumors, bile duct diseases, and stomach wall thickening.
It is also widely used for staging tumors of the esophagus, stomach, and rectum. The condition of lymph nodes, the origin of masses, and their relationship with surrounding tissues can be assessed in detail. Endoscopic ultrasonography is applied when conventional imaging methods are insufficient. It also allows fine needle biopsy. It provides critical information for both diagnosis and treatment planning.
Which Organs Are Examined with Endosonography?
The pancreas, stomach, esophagus, bile ducts, and lymph nodes can be examined in detail.
Thanks to the ultrasound probe, many organs adjacent to the digestive system are visualized with high resolution. Pancreatic tumors, cysts, and bile duct obstructions are clearly evaluated. The stomach and esophageal wall layers are analyzed for tumor spread. Lymph node size and structure can also be assessed. Compared to conventional imaging, endosonography provides more sensitive results for diagnosis and staging.
How Long Does Endosonography Take?
The average duration ranges from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the area examined.
Procedures involving the pancreas, stomach, or bile ducts may take longer. Because sedation is used, the patient does not feel discomfort. If biopsy is required, the procedure may take a few additional minutes. Endosonography provides comprehensive information within a short time. After brief observation, most patients are discharged the same day.
Is Endosonography Performed on an Empty Stomach?
Yes, the stomach must be empty before endosonography, so fasting is required.
Patients are usually advised not to eat for 6 to 8 hours before the procedure. Fasting improves image quality and reduces aspiration risk. An empty stomach allows easier endoscope advancement and reduces nausea during sedation. The physician provides instructions regarding medications. Following fasting guidelines ensures a safe and effective procedure.
Does Endosonography Hurt?
No, because it is performed under sedation, patients generally do not feel pain.
Medications that create light sedation are given to keep the patient relaxed. Mild throat irritation may occur, but significant discomfort is uncommon. Some patients may feel temporary bloating afterward. Since it does not require surgical incision, it is considered minimally invasive. Most patients return to normal activities shortly after.
Difference Between Endosonography and Gastroscopy
Gastroscopy directly visualizes the inner surface of the digestive tract, while endosonography evaluates deeper tissues with ultrasound.
Gastroscopy examines the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine using a camera and is effective for surface lesions. Endosonography, with its ultrasound probe, assesses organ walls and surrounding structures such as the pancreas and bile ducts. It is suitable for analyzing deeper tissues beyond the surface. Both methods are used in digestive system evaluation, and the choice depends on symptoms and diagnostic goals.
When Are Endosonography Results Available?
Imaging results are usually provided the same day after initial evaluation.
Ultrasound findings can be interpreted immediately, and preliminary results are shared with the patient. If biopsy was performed, pathology analysis may take several days to two weeks. The pathology report provides detailed cellular information. Final results depend on both imaging and pathology findings combined. The physician explains follow-up and treatment plans accordingly.
Is Endosonography Used for Cancer Detection?
Yes, endosonography is used to evaluate and stage tumors in the digestive system and surrounding tissues.
It shows the depth and spread of masses in areas such as the pancreas, stomach, esophagus, and rectum. It can assess involvement of nearby lymph nodes and blood vessels. Fine needle aspiration biopsy may be performed for definitive diagnosis. This provides critical information for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Endosonography Prices 2026
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Which Diseases Can Endosonography Detect?
Masses, cysts, and tumors in the pancreas, bile ducts, stomach, and esophagus can be visualized.
It allows detailed evaluation of suspicious structures within the digestive wall and surrounding tissues. Pancreatic tumors, bile stones, cysts, stomach wall thickening, and enlarged lymph nodes can be detected. It is effective in assessing disease spread and contributes significantly to early cancer diagnosis.
Is Biopsy Performed During Endosonography?
Yes, fine needle biopsy can be performed during endosonography when necessary.
This procedure allows microscopic analysis of suspicious masses. Tissue samples are examined in pathology laboratories for definitive diagnosis. It is especially useful for pancreatic, stomach wall, and lymph node lesions. Since it is done under sedation, discomfort is minimal. Biopsy increases diagnostic accuracy and may prevent unnecessary surgery.
Is Endosonography or MRI More Detailed?
Depending on the target organ, endosonography may provide more detailed information than MRI.
It offers high-resolution images for structures near the digestive tract, especially the pancreas. MRI evaluates broader areas but may be limited in detecting very small lesions. Endosonography also allows biopsy, giving it a diagnostic advantage. The choice depends on clinical needs and physician evaluation.
What Should Be Considered After Endosonography?
After the procedure, resting for a few hours and following medical advice is recommended.
Because sedation is used, drowsiness or mild throat irritation may occur. Solid foods should be delayed briefly, starting with liquids or soft foods. Driving should be avoided on the same day. If biopsy was taken, any bleeding, pain, or fever should be reported. Recovery is usually quick, and most patients return home the same day.
Is Discharge Immediate After Endosonography?
Most patients can be discharged the same day after the observation period.
Patients are monitored briefly until sedation effects subside. If there are no symptoms such as nausea or dizziness, discharge is possible. The physician ensures stable vital signs before allowing the patient to leave. If biopsy was performed or complications are suspected, observation may be extended. Returning home with a companion is recommended.
How Long Do Endosonography Results Take?
Imaging findings are usually available the same day, while biopsy results take several days.
The physician evaluates findings immediately and shares preliminary information. If tissue samples were collected, pathology results may take a few days to two weeks. Final diagnosis is based on combined imaging and pathology reports.
Is Endosonography Available in Every Hospital?
No, endosonography requires advanced technology and is performed only in specialized centers.
It requires dedicated ultrasound-integrated endoscopic equipment and experienced gastroenterologists. It is typically available in university hospitals, training hospitals, and major private medical centers. Not all hospitals have the necessary equipment or expertise. Availability should be confirmed before scheduling.