Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS):
What is an Endoscopic ultrasonography?
EUS allows your physician to examine your stomach lining as well as the walls of your upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. The upper tract is the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The lower tract includes the colon and rectum. EUS is also used to study internal organs that lie next to the gastrointestinal tract, such as the gallbladder and pancreas. In order to perform this EUS, the physician will use a thin, flexible tube, known as an endoscope. The physician will pass the endoscope through the patient’s mouth or anus to the area that he or she will examine. The physician will then turn on the ultrasound attachment to produce sound waves that create visual images of the digestive tract.
Why is EUS done?
EUS provides more information than other imaging tests by providing more detailed pictures of the digestive tract. The physician can use EUS to diagnose the cause of conditions such as abdominal pain or abnormal weight loss.
EUS is also used to evaluate an abnormality, such as a lump, that was detected during a prior endoscopy. EUS can provide a picture of the lump, which can allow the physician to identify the lump and how to treat it properly. EUS can be used to diagnose diseases of the pancreas, bile duct, and gallbladder, particularly when other tests are inconclusive.
EUS can help a physician determine the extent of certain cancers of the digestive system and respiratory system. EUS will allow the physician to assess the depth of the cancerous cells and to see if the cancer has spread to adjacent glands. For some patients, EUS can be used to obtain biopsies, which will also help the physician determine the proper treatment.
What can I expect before this procedure?
For EUS of the upper gastrointestinal tract, you should have nothing to eat or drink for approximately six hours prior to the exam. Your physician will tell you when to begin fasting. For this procedure, you will be sedated, and therefore, you will not be able to drive after the procedure. You will need to make arrangements to have someone drive you home after the EUS is completed.
For EUS of the lower gastrointestinal tract, your physician will instruct you on how to prepare for the examination. Most often this preparation involves consuming a large amount of a specially prepared cleansing solution followed by a clear liquid diet. An EUS of the lower GI system often does not require sedation. If, however, your physician chooses to sedate you during the EUS, you will need to make arrangements for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
What can I expect during this procedure?
For an EUS of the upper gastrointestinal tract, your physician may begin the procedure by spraying your throat with a local anesthetic. Most often you will receive sedatives intravenously, which will help you to relax. You will begin the EUS by lying on your left side. After receiving sedatives, your physician will insert the ultrasound endoscope into your mouth, through the esophagus and stomach, and into the duodenum. The instrument does not interfere with your ability to breathe. The actual examination takes approximately 15 – 45 minutes. Most patients report feeling only slightly uncomfortable and many will fall asleep during the procedure.
An EUS of the lower gastrointestinal tract is often performed without sedation. You will begin the procedure by lying on your left side with your backside towards the physician. The doctor will insert an endoscope through the rectum and into the colon. The actual procedure takes approximately 10 – 30 minutes to complete.
What can I expect after this procedure?
If you had an upper EUS, your throat may feel a little sore. You may feel bloated because of the air and water that were introduced during the examination. You will be able to eat after you leave the procedure area, unless otherwise specified by your physician. Your doctor generally can inform you of the results of the procedure that day, but the results of any tests may take several days.
Related websites and resources:
| University of Missouri Health Care | This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. |
