Endoscopic Ultrasound
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Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
EUS stands for Endoscopic Ultrasound. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that combines endoscopy and ultrasound to obtain detailed images of the digestive tract and nearby organs, such as the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and lymph nodes. Here’s some key information about EUS:
Purpose: EUS is commonly used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. It helps in the evaluation and staging of gastrointestinal cancers, including esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, and rectal cancers. Additionally, it aids in the diagnosis of pancreatic and biliary disorders, such as pancreatitis, bile duct stones, and pancreatic cysts.
Procedure: During an EUS procedure, a thin, flexible endoscope with an attached ultrasound probe is passed through the mouth or anus into the gastrointestinal tract. The ultrasound probe emits high-frequency sound waves that create detailed images of the surrounding organs and tissues. These images help in visualizing abnormalities, such as tumors or fluid collections, that may not be visible with other imaging techniques.
Advantages: EUS offers several advantages over traditional imaging methods, such as CT scans or MRI. It provides higher resolution images, allowing for better visualization of small lesions and accurate staging of tumors. EUS is also less invasive, with minimal discomfort and a lower risk of complications compared to surgical procedures.
Therapeutic Applications: In addition to its diagnostic capabilities, EUS can also be used for therapeutic interventions. For example, it allows for fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or biopsy of suspicious lesions for pathological analysis. EUS-guided interventions can also include drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts, injection of therapeutic agents into tumors, and placement of stents to relieve biliary or pancreatic duct obstruction.
Preparation and Recovery: Patients undergoing EUS typically need to fast for several hours before the procedure to ensure the stomach is empty. Sedation is often administered to ensure comfort during the procedure. Recovery time is relatively short, and most patients can resume their normal activities shortly after the procedure.
Risks: While EUS is considered a safe procedure, there are some risks associated with it, including bleeding, infection, perforation of the gastrointestinal tract, and adverse reactions to sedation. However, these risks are rare and are usually outweighed by the benefits of the procedure.
Overall, EUS is a valuable tool in the diagnosis and management of various gastrointestinal and pancreatic disorders, offering high-quality imaging and minimally invasive interventions.