Our staff at Northeast Digestive can provide endoscopic ultrasounds for diagnosis and other medical treatments. 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.
How Endoscopic Ultrasounds Work
During an endoscopic ultrasound, the tube is inserted into your mouth and advanced through your digestive tract. Ultrasound waves are transmitted from the transducer to create images of the walls of the digestive tract, organs, and lymph nodes. These images can help diagnose diseases or conditions that may be difficult to detect using other methods such as X-rays or CT scans.During an endoscopic ultrasound, the tube is inserted into your mouth and advanced through your digestive tract. Ultrasound waves are transmitted from the transducer to create images of the walls of the digestive tract, organs, and lymph nodes. These images can help diagnose diseases or conditions that may be difficult to detect using other methods such as X-rays or CT scans.
Reasons for Endoscopic Ultrasounds
Endoscopic ultrasounds can be used to diagnose digestive tract diseases and conditions such as:
- Gallstones
- Cysts
- Tumors
- Ulcers
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Pancreatitis.
The procedure may also be used to identify potential complications from chronic illnesses or to guide other treatments such as biopsies.
How to Prepare for an Endoscopic Ultrasound
Prior to the procedure, your doctor will provide you with instructions on how to prepare. You may be advised to fast for a specified period of time, 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.
What to Expect During an Endoscopic Ultrasound
You will be asked to lie on your left side and relax during the procedure. To reduce discomfort, you will receive sedatives intravenously prior to 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.
