Endoscopic Ultrasound

With Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), a doctor combines both endoscopy and ultrasound to examine the gastrointestinal (GI) tract along with nearby organs and tissues.
For EUS procedures, the tip of the endoscope is fitted with a small ultrasound. The ultrasound allows for high-quality images of the body’s internal organs for either the upper GI tract or the lower GI tract. Your upper GI tract includes your esophagus, stomach and small intestine. Your lower GI tract includes your colon, rectum and anus.
EUS is used to evaluate the following conditions and diseases:

  • Anal sphincter and incontinence
  • Barrett's esophagus with high-grade dysplasia
  • Neuroendocrine tumors
  • Common bile duct stones
  • Gastric cancer/MALT lymphoma
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Chronic pancreatitis
  • Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas
  • Rectal cancer
  • Rectal fistulas
  • Smooth muscle tumors
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Stages of cancers
  • Rectal and anal muscles to find the reasons for fecal incontinence
  • Other abnormalities in organs, such as the liver and gallbladder

During the EUS Procedure
Once sedated, the endoscopist will insert the endoscope into your mouth, down your esophagus into the upper small intestine (called the duodenum). During the procedure, the endoscope doesn’t not impact breathing while inside the body. The process usually takes an hour or less and many patients fall asleep not remember the procedure. 

After the EUS Procedure

  • Your doctor can usually provide preliminary results after the completion of the procedure. If your doctor performed a biopsy, please allow several days to receive your lab results. 
  • You will be able to eat shortly after your procedure. Your doctor will notify you if you have any food restrictions. 

If you received sedatives during your procedure, you will be allowed to go home after recovering from the effects of the sedating medication. Please do not drive, arrange for a ride to and from the hospital. You still may be too impaired to safely operate a vehicle. Sedatives may impair your judgment for the remainder of the day.