Endoscopic ultrasound, often known as E.U.S., is a diagnostic technique that only requires a small incision and is used to evaluate disorders that affect the digestive (gastrointestinal) tract and other surrounding organs and tissues. The endoscopic ultrasound technique makes use of both an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube, and a device that generates images through the use of sound waves. The endoscope is placed into the gastrointestinal tract (ultrasound).

High-frequency sound waves provide detailed images of the digestive tract and adjacent organs and tissues, such as the lungs, pancreas, gall bladder, liver, and lymph nodes. These images can be viewed on a computer screen. A tiny needle can sometimes be seen at the end of an endoscopic tube, which is used to obtain fluid or tissue samples (also known as a biopsy) for further analysis in a laboratory.

EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration or EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy are the names given to this diagnostic technique. Other EUS-guided treatments can be used to inject the medication at a specific place or drain fluid from a lesion. These operations can be performed anywhere on the body.

Why is Endoscopic Ultrasound Done?

The endoscopic ultrasound (E.U.S.) technique can produce images of the lining and walls of any organ along the path of the gastrointestinal tract. The oesophagus, stomach, and a portion of the small intestine can all be visualized with the help of a E.U.S. device that is inserted down the throat. Images of the rectum, large intestine (colon) sections, and surrounding tissue such as lymph nodes are captured using a EUS device placed through the anus.

You can also see internal organs or nearby structures, like the following:

• Lungs
• Lymph nodes in the center of the chest
• Gall bladder
• Liver
• Pancreas
• Bile ducts

It is also possible to access other organs using E.U.S. in conjunction with fine-needle aspiration or other tools. For instance, a needle can be inserted into the wall of the oesophagus and into the lymph nodes that are located nearby. Similarly, a needle can be inserted through the wall of the stomach and into the pancreas to provide medication.

Procedures involving endoscopic ultrasound can be widely used for the treatment of the following medical conditions:

• Check for damage to tissues caused by disease or inflammation
• Examine the lymph nodes to see whether there is cancer present or if it has spread.
• Check to see how far a cancerous (malignant) tumor has spread into nearby tissues.
• Determine the extent of cancer’s progression.
• Give more information about lesions found by other imaging technologies.
• For diagnostic purposes, fluid or tissue may be extracted.
• Remove any fluids that are contained within the cysts.
• Provide treatment to a specific area, such as a tumor that has been identified.

How Do You Prepare For Endoscopic Ultrasound?

Your doctor will give you detailed information on how to get ready for your EUS. Included in the instructions will be the following:

1. Fasting

You may be requested to abstain from food and drink for at least six hours before the examination. This will ensure that your stomach is empty.

2. Colon Cleansing

If the EUS is performed through the rectum, you’ll be recommended to use a colon cleansing solution or to follow a liquid diet and take a laxative before the procedure.

3. Medication

Talk to your doctor about all the medicines you take, including those obtained with or without a prescription, natural treatments, and dietary supplements. Be sure to follow the directions given to you regarding the drugs you should continue to take and those that you should stop taking before the surgery.

4. Travel

After the procedure, you may have impaired coordination and judgment if given a sedative or anesthesia, both of which can be caused by the medication that helped you relax or fall asleep. In that case, you should ask someone to drive you home and spend the rest of the day with you.