Surgery

Why It’s Done (Indications) 

Combines high-frequency sound waves with endoscopy to create detailed images of the layers of your digestive tract wall and neighboring organs (like the pancreas, gallbladder, and lymph nodes). It allows precise tissue sampling (biopsy) of deep lesions.

How to Prepare (Preparations)

• Medications: Inform your doctor about any blood thinners or diabetes medications, as they may need temporary adjustment.
• Fasting for 6 hours prior to the test.
• Pause blood thinners as directed by your physician if a needle biopsy is planned.
   

What Happens (Procedural Details)

1. You are given medications to put you to sleep.
2. An endoscope fitted with a miniature ultrasound probe at its tip is passed into the esophagus, stomach, or intestine.
3. Sound waves generate detailed structural images of surrounding organs on a monitor.
4. If a suspicious mass or lymph node is seen, a tiny needle is passed through the endoscope wall into the tissue to collect cell samples (Fine Needle Biopsy) safely under real-time ultrasound guidance.
    

Recovery (Postoperative Care)

• Close observation in recovery for 30 – 60 minutes until sedation clears.
• Sore throat or mild abdominal discomfort may last 1–2 days.
• Rest at home for the remainder of the day.
   

Risks (Potential Complications)

• Mild sore throat.
• Mild localized bleeding from the needle biopsy site.
• Pancreatitis (if sampling lesions in or near the pancreas).