The digestive endoscopic ultrasound has become a fundamental pillar for the diagnosis and treatment of abdominal diseases, combining the benefits of endoscopy and ultrasound. This significant advancement in medicine allows for a detailed visualization of internal organs, facilitating early and precise intervention for a wide range of pathologies.
Juan Arenas, who leads the Digestive System Service at the Gipuzkoa Polyclinic, highlights that endoscopic ultrasound “offers remarkable advantages in both diagnosis and therapeutic intervention.” Thanks to this technique, it is possible to obtain high-precision images of organs such as the esophagus, stomach, and rectum, accessing areas that were previously difficult to examine. Arenas emphasizes that “the main advantage is the proximity to the study area,” which allows for less invasive interventions, such as biopsies.
Endoscopic ultrasound is divided into two main types: radial, which provides a 360-degree image and is used to detect tumors in the layers of the digestive tract, and linear, which offers an image in a single plane, ideal for performing biopsies on deep organs. These techniques are especially useful for staging tumors, determining their extent and helping doctors decide on the most appropriate treatment.
In addition to its role in diagnosis, endoscopic ultrasound has become essential for therapeutic interventions such as drainage and stent placement, reducing the need for more aggressive surgical procedures. Arenas points out its importance in treating pathologies in the biliary tract and pancreas, allowing for less invasive interventions and lower risks for patients.
To perform an endoscopic ultrasound, certain preparations are required. Upper endoscopic ultrasound is performed under sedation with prior fasting, similar to an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, while lower endoscopic ultrasound requires a preparation process with purgatives. Patients are usually able to resume their daily activities shortly after the procedure, although in the case of biopsies, a longer observation period may be needed.
The adoption of this advanced technique not only improves the accuracy of diagnosis but also increases patient safety and comfort, establishing itself as an essential tool in modern digestive health. With its less invasive approach, endoscopic ultrasound marks a turning point in daily clinical practice, offering new hope to patients with complex digestive conditions.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
