Combines endoscopy and high-frequency ultrasound to image and biopsy structures adjacent to the GI tract.
Why it’s done
• Pancreatic masses or cysts
• Submucosal GI lesions
• Staging of esophageal or rectal cancer
• Lymph-node sampling
Preparation
• Fast 6–8 hours
• Consent for possible FNA/FNB biopsy
Procedure
• Sedation; echoendoscope advanced to target region
• Ultrasound imaging and needle biopsy performed
Afterwards
• Recovery for 1–2 hours
• Resume diet and activities as directed
Risks
• Mild bleeding (0.1–0.5%)
• Pancreatitis (0.4%)
• Infection (<1%)
• Rare perforation (<0.05%)
