Endosonic

Endosonic refers to a medical procedure that utilizes ultrasound technology internally within the body. This contrasts with external ultrasound, where the transducer is placed on the skin's surface. Endosonic techniques often involve inserting a specialized ultrasound probe through a natural orifice or a small incision to obtain clearer, more detailed images of organs or structures that are difficult to visualize from the outside.

Common applications of endosonic procedures include gastroenterology, cardiology, and urology. For instance, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is frequently used to examine the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and surrounding lymph nodes. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) employs an ultrasound probe passed down the esophagus to image the heart. In urology, endorectal ultrasound can be used for prostate imaging. The close proximity of the transducer to the target organ allows for higher resolution and better differentiation of tissues. This enhanced imaging capability can aid in diagnosis, staging of diseases, and guiding biopsies. While generally safe, endosonic procedures carry risks associated with the insertion of the probe, such as perforation or bleeding, although these are uncommon.