Endosonography
Gentle diagnostics with high-resolution ultrasound
Endosonography (endoscopic ultrasound) is a modern procedure that enables a particularly precise examination of the gastrointestinal tract and neighboring organs such as the pancreas and bile ducts. At our practice in Berlin, we use this procedure to detect diseases at an early stage and treat them in a targeted manner.
What is endosonography?
Endosonography combines the advantages of gastroscopy (gastroscopy) with those of ultrasound (sonography). A thin, flexible tube with a small ultrasound probe (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth or rectum. This enables particularly detailed images of the internal organs and surrounding structures, which would not be sufficiently visible from the outside with conventional ultrasound.
When is endosonography used?
This procedure is mainly used to detect changes in the gastrointestinal tract and adjacent organs at an early stage or to clarify them more precisely:
- Examination of the pancreas (pancreatic endosonography) – If inflammation, cysts or tumors are suspected.
- Clarification of tissue changes – in the esophagus, stomach or intestine to differentiate between benign and malignant changes.
- Detection of tumors and metastases – especially in the pancreas, bile ducts and lymph nodes.
- Examination of unclear complaints – for example, unexplained upper abdominal pain or gallbladder problems.
- Targeted tissue sampling (EUS-FNA – fine needle aspiration) – If abnormal tissue or fluid needs to be examined more closely.
Advantages
What are the advantages of endosonography?
High precision
Better image quality than conventional ultrasound.
Minimally invasive (minor procedure without surgery)
Gentle examination without long downtimes.
Fast results
Particularly important for early detection.
Outpatient implementation
You can go home after a short recovery period.
More about outpatient procedures
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How long does an endosonography take?
On average 30 minutes. It may take a little longer if tissue is removed.
What do I need to consider before an endosonography?
You should not eat for 6 hours and not drink for 4 hours before the examination.
What is the difference between gastroscopy and endosonography?
A gastroscopy examines the stomach and oesophagus with a camera. An endosonography (endoscopic ultrasound) also uses an ultrasound probe to visualize deeper organs.
What pain can occur after an endosonography?
In rare cases, there may be slight swallowing difficulties (throat irritation) or a feeling of pressure in the stomach (flatulence), which usually disappears after a few hours.
What anesthesia is used for an endosonography?
In most cases, light sedation (twilight sleep) is used to ensure that the examination is relaxed and pain-free.
Is endosonography performed on an outpatient basis?
Yes, the examination takes place on an outpatient basis in the doctor’s surgery so that you can go home afterwards.
How much does an endosonography of the pancreas cost?
The costs are covered by statutory health insurance (GKV) if medically necessary. Private patients should clarify the reimbursement in advance with their health insurance company (PKV).