Understanding Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

 

 

 

What Is an Endoscopic Ultrasound?

 

 

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is a special procedure that combines endoscopy and ultrasound to get detailed pictures of your digestive tract and nearby organs.

 

A thin, flexible tube called an endoscope is passed through your mouth into your digestive system. This endoscope has a tiny ultrasound probe at its tip. It uses sound waves to create detailed images of areas that standard endoscopy or imaging tests cannot see clearly.

 

 

 

Why Do I Need an EUS?

 

 

Your doctor may recommend an EUS to:

 

• Investigate causes of abdominal pain or abnormal imaging findings.

• Examine the walls of your esophagus, stomach, duodenum (first part of the small intestine), and rectum.

• Evaluate nearby organs like the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and lymph nodes.

• Diagnose and stage cancers of the digestive system.

• Drain fluid collections (such as pancreatic pseudocysts).

• Take small tissue samples (called fine-needle aspiration, or FNA) for laboratory testing.