EUS

What is an endoscopic ultrasound?

An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a diagnostic procedure that allows a thorough evaluation of your stomach lining and the walls of the lower and upper gastrointestinal tract. Ultrasound technology can identify conditions like:

• Lymphoma
• Bile duct stones
• Pancreatic cysts
• Colon and other cancers

Your Gastrointestinal Associates of Rockland doctor may also recommend an endoscopic ultrasound to assess the health of nearby organs, including your gallbladder and pancreas.

How do I prepare for an endoscopic ultrasound?

During your consultation, your Gastrointestinal Associates of Rockland doctor provides you with in-depth information on preparing for your procedure.

You shouldn’t eat or drink anything for at least six hours before your ultrasound to ensure accurate results. If you’re having an endoscopic ultrasound of your colon or rectum, you can expect to have a procedure just before the ultrasound to clear out the contents of your colon.

What happens during an endoscopic ultrasound?

To keep you comfortable and relaxed during an endoscopic ultrasound, your Gastrointestinal Associates of Rockland doctor provides a sedative medication before starting the procedure.

You can expect to lie comfortably on an exam table while your doctor inserts a long, flexible tube down your throat. 

The tube is attached to ultrasound technology, which uses sound waves to create visual images of your gastrointestinal tract, and these images help your doctor identify the cause of your symptoms.

Depending on the reason for the endoscopic ultrasound, the procedure can last as long as 45 minutes. 

Immediately following the ultrasound, you spend time in recovery to allow the sedative to wear off, and you make sure beforehand that you’ve arranged for someone to give you a ride home for your safety.

What can I expect after an endoscopic ultrasound?

Because the ultrasound technology gives your Gastrointestinal Associates of Rockland doctor immediate results, they can discuss right away whether you need further evaluation or what treatments to consider.

In some cases, you will need a procedure known as a fine needle aspiration as part of your endoscopic ultrasound. This involves taking a sample of fluid or tissue in the digestive tract for further analysis. It can take several days to get the results of the aspiration, and your doctor will call you with the necessary details.

Learn more about the diagnostic benefits of an endoscopic ultrasound by calling the office today or by requesting a consultation online now.