Loading icon
Health Information Center

Endoscopic Ultrasonography

Authors:
  • Deanna M. Neff, MPH
Publication Type:

Procedure

Endoscopic Ultrasonography

(EUS)

Definition

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is used to view the walls of the 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

Problems are rare, but no test is completely free of risk. Your doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Mild sore throat for 1 to 2 days
  • Reaction to sedatives
  • Regurgitation of stomach contents into the lungs
  • Harm to nearby structures

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

  • Older age
  • Having other medical problems

What to Expect

Problems to Look Out For

It is important to monitor your recovery. Call your doctor if you have:

  • Pain or discomfort that does not go away or worsens
  • Blood in your vomit or stool (poop), or have dark black stools
  • Belly fullness or discomfort(indigestion)
  • New or unexpected symptoms

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

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 medicines before the test. Ask your doctor if you take these medicines.

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 medicines before the test. Ask your doctor if you take these medicines.

Description of the Test

You may be given a spray to numb your throat. You may also be given medicine to help you relax.

A thin, flexible tube, called an endoscope, will be put in the 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, the 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.

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

exh52397e_105433http://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=78847884exh52397e_105433_1.jpgUpper Gi EndoscopyNULLjpgexh52397e_105433NULL\\hgfiler1\intellect\images\exh52397e_105433_1.jpgNULL22NULL2009-07-17401400Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

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 to 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.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for diagnosis and management. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/procedure/endoscopic-ultrasound-eus-for-diagnosis-and-management.
  • Sooklal S, Chahal P. Endoscopic ultrasound. Surg Clin North Am. 2020 Dec;100(6):1133-1150.
  • Understanding EUS (endoscopic ultrasonography). American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy website. Available at: https://www.asge.org/home/for-patients/patient-information/understanding-eus.

Contributors

  • April Scott, NP
Last Updated:
2023-06-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

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.