EUS

Overview

EUS (endoscopic ultrasound) allows your Gastroenterologist to examine your esophageal and stomach lining as well as the walls of your upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. The upper tract consists of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum; the lower tract includes your colon and rectum. EUS is also used to study other organs that are near the gastrointestinal tract, including the lungs, liver, gall bladderand pancreas. You will be sedated. Your GI doctor 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 provide sound waves and create visual images of the digestive tract. You might have EUS if you have a lump or bump noted on endoscopy or x-ray, abnormal weight loss, or recurrent pancreatic problems. Biopsies may be taken of any questionable areas. This procedure takes approximately 60 minutes with an additional 30-60 minutes recovery time. You will need a driver because of the sedation.