Endoscopic Ultrasonography

(EUS)

Pronounced: Endo-scopic Ul-tra-sew-naw-gra-fee

by Deanna M. Neff, MPH

Definition

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is used to view the walls of your digestive tract and other nearby organs. An ultrasound uses sound waves to make images of the inside of the body. In an EUS, the ultrasound probe is passed down the throat or up the rectum and into the digestive tract.

Reasons for Test

EUS may be used to:

Diagnose or find the cause of a pain or abnormality in the digestive tract
Locate and view tumors or abnormalities in the pancreas, bile ducts, and chest cavity
Understand the extent of certain cancers and whether they have spread to lymph glands or other vital organs
Take tissue samples to diagnose a condition— biopsy
Provide needle aspiration to drain a cyst

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no test is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have EUS, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

Infection
Bleeding
Mild sore throat for 1-2 days
Reaction to sedatives
Regurgitation of stomach contents into the lungs
Tissue or organ perforation

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

Increased age
Having other medical conditions

Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the test.

What to Expect

Prior to Test

Leading up to the test, your doctor may instruct you to:

Avoid eating or drinking (not even water) for at least 6 hours before the test.
Take a special cleansing solution, laxative, or enema. This will clean out your intestines. You may also be asked to follow a clear liquid diet.
Arrange for a ride home after the test if you have to take a sedative.

In most cases, it is okay to take aspirin and other blood-thinning medications before the test. Ask your doctor if you take these medications.

Description of the Test

Your doctor may spray your throat with a local anesthetic. This will numb your throat, so you will not feel discomfort. You may also be given a sedative. This will help you to relax and reduce anxiety.

In most cases, you will lie on your left side. A thin, flexible tube, called an endoscope, will be inserted either through your throat or anus. The endoscope will have an ultrasound probe on the end of it. The ultrasound machine will create images of the digestive tract. When the imaging is done, your doctor will gently pull the endoscope out.

In some cases, the doctor might use the ultrasound to help take a biopsy or drain a cyst. If this happens, the doctor will insert tools through the endoscope to the area.

EUS

After Test

After the test, you will go to a recovery room. Your throat may be a little sore. Slight bloating is normal from the air and water that entered the digestive tract.

How Long Will It Take?

15-45 minutes

Will It Hurt?

EUS is slightly uncomfortable.

Results

Your doctor may talk to you about the results right away. If you had a biopsy, it may take longer to receive results.

Call Your Doctor

It is important to monitor your recovery. Alert your doctor to any problems. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

Pain or discomfort that does not go away or worsens
Vomiting blood, blood in stool, or dark black stool
Indigestion
New or unexpected symptoms

If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

RESOURCES:

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
https://www.asge.org

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
https://www.niddk.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Association of Gastroenterology
https://www.cag-acg.org

Canadian Digestive Health Foundation
http://www.cdhf.ca

References:

Jacobson B, Chak A, e Hoffman B, et al. Quality indicators for endoscopic ultrasonography. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2006;101(4):898-901.

Understanding EUS (endoscopic ultrasonography). American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy website. Available at: https://www.asge.org/home/for-patients/patient-information/understanding-eus. Accessed October 3, 2017.

Last reviewed September 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daus Mahnke, MD
Last Updated: 9/23/2014

EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation.

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days.