Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
What is an Endoscopic ultrasound?
An EUS is a medical procedure during which an endoscope (a long flexible tube with a tiny camera at the tip) is passed through the mouth and into the stomach. A miniature ultrasound probe in the scope allows your specialist to examine the deeper layers of the stomach wall as well as surrounding organs including the liver, pancreas and bile ducts. An EUS is usually performed in hospital while under sedation.
Why is an Endoscopic ultrasound performed?
An EUS is usually done to gather further information about the pancreas, liver and bile ducts that cannot be obtained by other methods (CT/MRI). Because the ultrasound probe is within the body it provides high quality pictures which can assist with diagnosing a variety of conditions. EUS is also used to obtain tissue samples, and can be used to drain fluid collections inside the body without the need for surgery.
How do I prepare for an EUS?
It is important for the safety and accuracy of the procedure that your stomach is completely empty. You should therefore have nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to your EUS.
Whilst most medications can be taken as usual with a sip of water on the day of your procedure, some medications need to be stopped, or have their dose altered.
You should notify your doctor at least 7 days prior to your procedure if you are taking:
- Blood thinners (plavix, warfarin, pradaxa, eliquis, xarelto etc) or
- Diabetes medications (metformin, insulin etc)
Please bring your referral, a full list of your medications and your medicare card/private health fund information on the day of your procedure.
What will happen on the day?
What happens after my EUS?
Are there any risks or side effects?
Overall an EUS is a very safe procedure that most patients tolerate extremely well. The most common side effects include mild throat soreness, and abdominal discomfort related to retained air in the stomach. More serious but rare complications can occur and include bleeding, or a tear in the lining of the stomach (perforation). If this happens you may be admitted to hospital for an operation to repair it. If samples are taken during the procedure there is also a very small risk of infection and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
Please contact Gastro IQ or your nearest emergency department if you experience any of the following symptoms after your EUS:
- Increasing chest or abdominal pain
- Fevers
- Trouble swallowing
- Other symptoms that cause you concern.
Dr. Paul Urquhart will discuss the EUS with you in detail on the day of your procedure, however if you have any questions or concerns prior to, or after, the procedure please don’t hesitate to contact us.