An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is an examination in which a flexible instrument is inserted via the mouth or the rectum to visualize the digestive tract.
An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of the organs and structures inside the body such as liver, gallbladder, pancreas, stomach and rectum.
These detailed images are used in diagnosing and treating many common conditions inside the digestive tract. In addition, EUS is used for biopsy and tissue sampling of abnormal findings.
If you have any questions prior to the procedure, please feel free to discuss them with the nurse or your physician before the examination begins.
What to Expect
An endoscopic ultrasound is a way for doctors to examine your gastrointestinal tract. Most doctors will administer a sedative to help you relax. It is likely that you will be asked to lay on your left side. After the sedatives have taken effect, the endoscopist passes the ultrasound endoscope through either your mouth or anus.While most patients fall asleep during the procedure, a few consider it mildly uncomfortable. A lot of patients do not even remember it at all. The test should only last about an hour. The small ultrasound device produces sound waves that will create an image of the tissue in the GI tract. Once the images have been created, the endoscope is gradually removed.