Hospital da Luz Arrábida has now available a new gastroenterology exam, the digestive echo-endoscopy . Performed by a gastroenterologist, the digestive echo-endoscopy combines endoscopy and echography, which enables to view the digestive tract structures, and thus representing a valuable auxiliary means of disease diagnosis. While in endoscopy, it is only possible to view the internal part of an organ (the mucous membrane), in this exam adding echography, it is possible to view the different layers of a digestive tract organ, as well as the adjacent organs. It can be done for diagnosis and/or treatment purposes, but normally it is performed subsequently to other exams, in order to clarify particular findings or to carry out specific treatment interventions. The digestive echo-endoscopy is indicated for: Diagnosis, staging and assessment of neoplasm extension; Early detection of tumour relapse; Diagnosis of other lesions or diseases of the digestive wall and neighbouring structures; Biopsy under echographic control. The digestive echo-endoscopy is an exam that can be performed with or without sedation. Depending on its purpose, it has a minimal duration of about 15 minutes and a maximal duration of 1 hour, and requires certain conditions to be met. Scheduling can be made via any of the channels available: MY LUZ app, hospitaldaluz.pt/arrabida/en or by phone 223 776 800 (national landline network).
