Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a procedure conducted by doctors to assess the inside of the digestive tract. This procedure combines two techniques: endoscopy and ultrasound (USG), to help doctors visualize, evaluate, and diagnose medical conditions within and near the gastrointestinal tract.
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What is Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)?
Endoscopic ultrasound, or EUS, is a minimally invasive procedure that involves using a camera device (endoscopy) combined with high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to examine the digestive tract and surrounding organs.
Endoscopy is a thin tube that can be inserted through the mouth or anus to view the inside of the esophagus, stomach, or intestines. However, in the EUS procedure, the endoscope used differs from a standard endoscope.
The endoscope used is a special type called an echoendoscope, equipped with a small ultrasound device at its tip. The addition of ultrasound allows doctors to see the digestive tract and nearby organs.
EUS is divided into two types: upper gastrointestinal (GI) EUS and lower gastrointestinal (GI) EUS, each serving different purposes.
Upper GI EUS examines the upper digestive tract, including:
- Layers of the esophagus, stomach, and small intestine
- Lymph nodes, blood vessels, cysts, and tumors
- Nearby organs such as the pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts
Lower GI EUS examines the lower digestive tract, including:
- Anal sphincter (the muscle surrounding the anus)
- Blood vessels, lymph nodes, cysts, and tumors
- Layers of the colon (rectum and large intestine)
Purpose of Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
EUS helps doctors diagnose medical conditions in the upper digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, and duodenum), lower digestive tract (colon and rectum), and nearby organs, including the lungs, pancreas, liver, and gallbladder.
EUS can be used to examine areas that require a more detailed assessment after being identified through other imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans.
Doctors may recommend EUS to:
- Detect tumors or cysts in the pancreas
- Assist in diagnosing chronic pancreatitis
- Examine cancerous areas in the esophagus, stomach, colon, or rectum and help determine the cancer stage (how advanced or aggressive it is), as well as detect whether cancer has affected lymph nodes or major blood vessels
- Detect gallstones in the bile ducts
Advantages of Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
The EUS procedure offers several advantages that are not available with many other diagnostic tests, including:
- Allowing doctors to examine organs and structures that cannot be seen through standard endoscopic procedures.
- Producing more detailed and accurate images since the ultrasound device is inside the body and positioned right next to the organ, unlike traditional ultrasound where sound waves must travel from outside the body.
- Enabling doctors to collect tissue or fluid samples by inserting a thin needle through the endoscope, eliminating the need for a separate biopsy procedure.
- Avoiding radiation exposure for patients.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) Procedure
Preparation for the Procedure
Doctors will provide specific instructions on what patients should and should not do before the EUS test. In general, the preparations include:
- Adjusting the dosage of medications such as blood thinners or insulin, as advised by the doctor
- Fasting for a specified period before the test
- Taking prescribed laxatives to cleanse the intestines
- Temporarily stopping blood-thinning medications
EUS Procedure Steps
- The patient is positioned according to the organ being examined. For upper GI EUS, the patient is usually instructed to lie on their left side.
- Before the procedure, the doctor administers anesthesia. In some cases, sedatives may also be given to help the patient feel more comfortable.
- A plastic mouthguard is placed in the patient’s mouth to protect their teeth and prevent them from biting the endoscope.
- The doctor inserts the endoscopic ultrasound device through the mouth and guides it to the target organ.
- The doctor views the ultrasound images on a monitor to assess the condition of the organs. If cysts, tumors, or other abnormalities are present, they will be visible on the screen.
- If necessary, the doctor uses ultrasound imaging as a guide to insert a thin needle through the endoscope to collect tissue or fluid samples (biopsy).
- Finally, the doctor carefully removes the endoscope and stops the anesthesia.
After the Procedure
After the EUS procedure is completed, the patient is monitored in a recovery room until the anesthesia effects wear off. The doctor will discuss the initial findings with the patient. If a biopsy was performed, the results may be available within a few days.
Side Effects of Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
The side effects of the EUS procedure are generally mild and may include:
- Sore throat or tongue
- Swollen lips (if the endoscope was inserted through the mouth)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Excessive gas
- Bloating or stomach cramps
Serious side effects are rare. However, if a patient experiences severe or persistent abdominal pain, dark-colored stool, fever, or chest pain, they should immediately contact their doctor.
No need to travel abroad to undergo an EUS procedure. Now, you can have it done at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri. Our hospital is equipped with the latest and most advanced medical technology to diagnose various medical conditions. Additionally, Mandaya Puri Hospital has an experienced team of specialist doctors.
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