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Endoscopic ultrasounds, also known as EUS, utilize a thin, lighted flexible tube with an ultrasound transducer at its tip to capture images of the digestive tract. The procedure is minimally invasive, allowing our professionals to examine organs without making surgical incisions.
EUS can be used to diagnose digestive tract diseases and conditions such as:
The procedure may also be used to identify potential complications from chronic illnesses or to guide other treatments such as biopsies.
You will be asked to lie on your left side and relax during the procedure. To reduce discomfort, you will receive sedatives intravenously before the EUS procedure. Once you're in position and properly medicated, the provider will pass the ultrasound endoscope through your mouth, esophagus, and stomach into the duodenum. The instrument does not interfere with your ability to breathe. Most patients consider it only slightly uncomfortable, and many fall asleep during it.
The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes but may take longer depending on what is being examined. After the procedure is completed, you will be monitored until your vital signs return to normal and then released.
Before the procedure, your gastroenterologist at Concord will provide you with instructions on how to prepare. You may be advised to fast for a specified period, usually about 6 hours or more before the procedure, and refrain from taking certain medications that could interfere with the process.
To ensure your safety, you must plan for a ride home after EUS as it will involve sedation, and driving is not recommended for the rest of the day.
View complete EUS prep instructions.
The duration of an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) procedure can vary depending on various factors such as the area being examined and whether any additional procedures are performed simultaneously. On average, an EUS typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour to complete.
After an endoscopic ultrasound, you may experience some mild discomfort or bloating due to the passage of the endoscope. However, this usually resolves quickly. Your doctor will provide specific post-procedure instructions based on your individual circumstances.
During an endoscopic ultrasound, a specialized endoscope equipped with an ultrasound probe is passed through the mouth or rectum into the digestive tract. High-frequency sound waves are then used to create detailed images of the surrounding organs and tissues.
A doctor might prescribe an endoscopic ultrasound to diagnose gastrointestinal conditions, such as pancreatic tumors, gastrointestinal cancers, gallbladder disease, and liver abnormalities. Additionally, it's used for staging cancers, assessing pancreatic disorders, evaluating biliary and liver conditions, and guiding interventional procedures like biopsies and drainage.
An endoscopic ultrasound shows detailed images of the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and adjacent lymph nodes. It can help identify tumors, cysts, lesions, and other abnormalities, as well as guide tissue sampling or therapeutic interventions.
Most patients do not experience significant pain during an endoscopic ultrasound, as sedation is typically provided to ensure comfort during the procedure. Some individuals may feel mild discomfort or pressure as the endoscope is maneuvered, but this is usually well-tolerated.
Typically, you will be instructed to fast for several hours before an endoscopic ultrasound to ensure that your stomach is empty, allowing for better visualization during the procedure. Your Concord clinic doctor will provide specific instructions regarding fasting and any other preparation required.
You are likely to fall asleep during an endoscopíc ultrasound as sedation is commonly administered to ensure your comfort and relaxation. You will be monitored closely by medical staff to ensure your safety during sedation.
