Endoscopic Ultrasound

Like other forms of ultrasound, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) uses sound waves to create detailed images of things inside your body. EUS is a special form of ultrasound at the end of an endoscope—the same flexible tube used for upper endoscopy and colonoscopy.

In addition to imaging your digestive tract, EUS can provide images of internal organs. By sending sound waves through the walls of your digestive tract, your doctor can see your organs in finer detail than standard ultrasound provides.

With such detail, EUS gives your doctor a clearer view of tumors, cysts, lesions or other abnormalities. This procedure can also give your doctor a better idea of the path and size of certain types of cancerous tumors.

Since your upper digestive tract is close to your lungs, EUS is also used to create images of the lungs. EUS can help diagnose problems of the pancreas and gallbladder and look for stones or blockages of the bile ducts.

Your Endoscopic Ultrasound

EUS is inserted through your mouth and esophagus to examine the upper digestive tract and organs in the upper portion of your abdomen. To get images of your lower intestine and organs, the EUS is inserted through your anus.

During the procedure, the endoscope allows your doctor to use a fine needle to take samples of cells, called biopsies, while guided by the ultrasound. Gathering cells via this painless procedure gives your doctor a way to carefully examine abnormalities without surgery. Your doctor can also drain certain types of cysts using the fine needle guided by EUS.

Preparation

Like other forms of endoscopy and ultrasound, EUS is painless. You’ll have to clear your digestive tract before the procedure so your doctor has a clear view through the endoscope. You’ll be sedated and relaxed during the procedure, but you won’t be asleep like you would in surgery.

After Your EUS

If any biopsies were taken during your EUS, they’ll go to a lab for testing. Your doctor will go over the results of both the images created during the EUS and the lab tests with you. Together you and your doctor will make a treatment plan to help relieve your symptoms and move you toward better health.