An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a procedure used to examine and a patient’s digestive tract. An EUS is an outpatient test that will allow your gastroenterologist to examine the lining and walls of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and rectum. Used to obtain images and detailed information about the gastrointestinal tract, EUS is performed using an endoscope equipped with a small ultrasound device.
In addition to examining the esophageal and stomach linings, your gastroenterologist will be able assess the walls of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract, which includes the colon and rectum. One important benefit to this procedure is that your gastroenterologist will also be able to view and study organs that are located close to the gastrointestinal tract, such as the lungs, liver, gall bladder, and pancreas.
EUS Uses
Using EUS, your Arlington gastroenterologist will be able to assess the overall health of the esophageal, stomach, small intestinal, and other organs. This procedure is also used to determine the cause of abdominal pain or extreme weight loss. During EUS your gastroenterologist can also take tissue samples and assess the extent of certain cancers, as well as determine whether or not it has spread to the lymph nodes or blood vessels.
EUS is also used to examine and evaluate an abnormal growth that was detected by a prior X-ray or endoscopy. Because this procedure gives your gastroenterologist a detailed look at the growth, it will allow your doctor to be able to decide upon the best treatment path.
Before the Procedure
Your Arlington, Texas gastroenterologist will request that you refrain from eating or drinking after midnight the night of your procedure. You should inform the staff about any medications you are taking and what medications you are allergic to.
You will be sedated during the procedure and will therefore be required to have someone pick you up. You will not be able to drive for 24 hours.
What to Expect
An endoscope is a long, thin tube which is passed through your mouth and down into your esophagus, stomach, and small intestine. The medical staff may spray your throat with a local anesthetic and you will be given a sedation to help make you as comfortable as possible during the procedure. There is a light source, camera, and ultrasound technology attached to the endoscope, which will create sound waves and visual images of your digestive tract.
This procedure typically lasts 15 to 45 minutes and patients typically experience mild discomfort.
