Endoscopic Ultrasound

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) evaluates and makes images of the lining of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum as well as organs near the gastrointestinal tract such as the pancreas, gall bladder, liver, lungs and lymph nodes. 

EUS can:

  • 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 
  • Take tissue samples 
  • Drain a cyst

About the EUS Procedure

Your doctor may numb your throat with a spray to ease any discomfort, as well as a sedative, to help you relax.  

The doctor passes a thin, flexible tube with a built-in, miniature ultrasound probe down your throat or up your rectum. The ultrasound takes images, and the doctor may take tissue samples or drain cysts, as needed.

EUS takes 15-45 minutes.

After the Test

After the test, you may have slight bloating from the air and water that entered your digestive tract.

Possible complications include:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Mild sore throat for 1-2 days
  • Reaction to sedatives
  • Regurgitation of stomach contents into the lungs
  • Damage to digestive tract

Cause for Concern

After the test, call your doctor if any of the following occurs:

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

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.