Endosonographies – anal

Procedure

Endosonography differs from colonoscopy only in that a special device with an ultrasound device at the tip is used to assess moving images of the tissue structures. The examination is carried out either with a thin, movable “tube” with a light source and a camera attached to its tip, or with a fixed device. At the end of each of these instruments is a special device with an ultrasound unit. After inserting the instrument into the anus, it is brought to the section of bowel to be examined and the actual ultrasound examination can begin.

If a tissue sample (biopsy) is taken with a needle (EUS-guided fine needle aspiration), this is done during the same examination without you noticing anything. During the examination, a specially trained nurse is present in addition to the doctor.

Preparation

In the vast majority of cases, an enema is performed before the examination to cleanse the lower colon. Only in exceptional cases, if the lesions to be assessed are located further up in the bowel, does the bowel have to be cleansed with laxative medication as for a colonoscopy. Please then follow the instructions for bowel cleansing
exactly.

Aftercare

Immediately after the examination, your examining doctor will discuss the findings with you and inform you about any necessary follow-up examinations. Afterwards you can go home and eat and drink as usual.