Endoscopic Ultrasound
What is endoscopic ultrasound?
Endoscopic ultrasound or ultrasonography (EUS) is a procedure performed by a physician, usually a gastroenterologist who specializes in this procedure. A thin, flexible tube with a light, camera and sonogram transducer is inserted into your gastrointestinal tract. The ultrasound probe or transducer in the tip of the echoendoscope is used to produce ultrasound images of the GI tract lining and surrounding tissues and organs. Because this ultrasound imaging is done inside the body through endoscopy, it produces significantly higher quality images than traditional ultrasound performed at the surface or skin level. Endoscopic ultrasound is most commonly utilized in the upper GI tract but can be used for examination of the lower GI tract as well.
Endoscopic Ultrasound Scan
Why is this procedure performed?
You may be referred for endoscopic ultrasound for a variety of reasons, including diagnosing issues such as stomach or abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss. It is also a preferred procedure for diagnosing bile duct stones and certain cancers such as neuroendocrine tumors of the pancreas. Because this procedure produces detailed images of abnormal growths, it can play an important role in determining next steps in treatment since it is the most accurate way to stage many gastrointestinal cancers. Your gastroenterologist may obtain a tissue sample of any abnormal growth through biopsy. This may include fine needle aspiration.
-- What to Expect During Your Endoscopic Ultrasound
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