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Echoendescopy:
This investigative technique is recommended whenever other means
are revealed to be insufficient. It involves the combined use of
endoscopy and ultrasonography and is usually performed under local
anaesthetic, which improves the quality of the examination. An ultrasound
probe is introduced into the organ to be examined using an endescope.
This allows lesions of the digestive tract and surrounding organs
to be located and examined. It also allows biopsies to be carried
out.
- Retrograde catheterisation:
Endoscopic catheterisation is used for examining lesions of the
biliary tract and pancreas and in some cases allows them to be treated
directly.
It is used to clarify a diagnosis whenever ultrasonography gives
an incomplete reading of lesions of the bile duct (gallstones, cysts,
parasitosis, pancreatitis, cancer).
It involves introducing an endoscope ( flexible tube made up of
optic fibres) from the mouth to the duodenum (upper part of the
intestine). The endoscope is relayed to a camera which transmits
the corresponding image to a screen. A small catheter allows a contrast
medium to be injected into the biliary tract and /or pancreas so
that x-rays can be taken.
This technique also offers the possibility of performing an operation
to free the biliary tract of an obstruction, in particular by sphincterotomy,
the removal of gallstones, or even the insertion of an implant.
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