What is Endoscopy Ultrasound (EUS)?
Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) allows your the gastroenterologist to examine the digestive tract beyond the superficial lining, which is visualized during routine endoscopy and colonoscopy. EUS is also used to study other organs that are adjacent to the gastrointestinal tract, including the lungs, liver, gallbladder and pancreas.
Not all gastroenterologist know how to do this procedure. Our team has 3 highly trained specialists who welcome your questions regarding their credentials, training and experience. Our doctors will use a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope that has a built-in miniature ultrasound probe. Your doctor will pass the endoscope through your mouth or anus to the area to be examined. Your doctor then will use the ultrasound to use sound waves to create visual images of the digestive tract.
Why is EUS done?
EUS provides your doctor with more information than other imaging tests by providing detailed images of your digestive tract. Your doctor can use EUS to diagnose certain conditions that may cause abdominal pain or abnormal weight loss, including lumps or lesions, which were detected at a prior endoscopy or were seen on x-‐ray tests, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan. EUS provides a detailed image of the lump or lesion, which can help your doctor determine its origin and help treatment decisions. EUS can be used to diagnose diseases of the pancreas, bile duct and gallbladder when other tests are inconclusive or conflicting. In addition, biopsies of abnormal lumps or nodules can be performed during EUS. A fine needle is passed through the endoscope and tissue is obtain under direct visualization, which minimizes the risks of complications.