Frequently Asked Questions
What is endoscopy? Endoscopy is a way of looking inside the body using an endoscope.
What is an endoscope? An endoscope is a long, flexible tube that has a camera on the end that can be inserted into the body. It can also be fitted with other instruments to facilitate an examination.
When is an endoscopy needed? An endoscopy is used to provide optical visualization of and therapeutic access to the gastrointestinal (including) the esophagus or pulmonary tract.
What is an Endoscopic UltraSound (EUS)? Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or echo-endoscopy is a medical procedure in which endoscopy is combined with ultrasound to obtain images of the internal organs in the chest and abdomen. It can be used to visualize the walls of these organs, or to look at adjacent structures.
What is an Endoscopic UltraSound-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration (EUS-FNA)? EUSFNA is a procedure using a thin needle with an ultrasound module at the end in order to take a sample of fluid for examination under a microscope. The ultrasound image helps the doctor see where to place the needle and aspirate fluid or cells for further examination. The extracted samples are studied under a microscope by a pathologist.
Is a patient sedated for an endoscopy? Endoscopies are usually performed while a patient is mildly sedated or awake. Before the procedure, a medication that has a calming effect is often given to help the patient relax.
What is targeted biopsy (or endomicroscopy)? Targeted biopsy (or endomicroscopy) is way of looking at cells inside the body using a very small microscope. This microscope is a long, thin, flexible fiber-optic miniprobe which can be threaded down an endoscope. By adding a microscopic image using Cellvizio, physicians can now see what the tissue looks like at the cellular level and use that information to make a diagnosis.
When is targeted biopsy (or endomicroscopy) needed? Targeted biopsy (or endomicroscopy) is used to examine a pancreatic cyst. It can also be used to evaluate other gastrointestinal, pulmonary or urological tissues. When used for pancreatic cysts, the targeted biopsy examination is performed through a needle during an EUSFNA procedure.
How does Cellvizio® help? Cellvizio is a targeted biopsy device which magnifies the tissue up to 1,000 times, providing physicians additional real-time information about the tissue microstructure. It has been adopted by leading physicians around the world in hundreds of hospitals.
Will targeted biopsy (or endomicroscopy) be reimbursed by my insurance? You should discuss your insurance coverage with your doctor before undergoing any procedures including a targeted biopsy. Many centers have been able to negotiate reimbursement for the procedure, but it varies depending on carrier.
Where is targeted biopsy (or endomicroscopy) being used? Endomicroscopy is available across the US, you can ask your healthcare professional for more information.
Will I have to undergo any additional preparation prior to my endoscopy procedure with targeted biopsy (or endomicroscopy)? No. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to prepare your body for the procedure. There are no additional steps required if your doctor will be adding targeting biopsy to your endoscopy procedure.
How long will it take me to recover from the procedure? Recovery is fast and you may resume your usual activities after the procedure, unless your doctor decides otherwise. You should notify your doctor if you experience any of the following:
-fever and/or chills
-redness, swelling, or bleeding or other drainage from the IV site
-abdominal pain, nausea, and/or vomiting
-black, tarry, or bloody stools
-swallowing difficulties
-throat or chest pain that worsens
When and what can I eat after the procedure? You may resume your usual diet right after the procedure, unless otherwise advised by your doctor.