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 Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a procedure that allows a doctor to obtain images and information about the digestive tract and the surrounding tissue and organs.
During the procedure, a small ultrasound transducer is installed on the tip of an endoscope. An endoscope is a thin flexible viewing instrument used to view the interior lining of the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine. By inserting the endoscope and transducer into the upper or the lower digestive tract, the doctor is able to obtain high-quality ultrasound images of organs.
Because the EUS transducer can get close to the organ(s) being examined, the images obtained with EUS are often more accurate and detailed than images provided by traditional ultrasound.
Endoscopic Ultrasound is used to evaluate stages of cancer, chronic pancreatitis or other disorders of the pancreas. It is also used to study abnormalities or tumors in organs, including the gallbladder and liver, the muscles of the lower rectum and anal canal to determine reasons for fecal incontinence and nodules (bumps) in the intestinal wall. The entire procedure usually takes 30 to 90 minutes and the patient usually can go home the same day of the procedure.
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