Endoscopic Ultrasound

An endoscope is a small, lighted, flexible tube with a camera attached. By inserting the endoscope and camera into the upper or the lower digestive tract, the doctor is able to obtain high-quality ultrasound images of organs. Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is a special type of endoscope with an attached ultrasound transducer that is used to evaluate the lining of the digestive tract and surrounding tissues and organs, enabling the user to identify and stage tumors. Because the EUS transducer can get close to the organ(s) being examined, the images obtained with EUS are often more accurate and detailed than images provided by traditional ultrasound. EUS is superior to many conventional radiological methods for local staging of gastrointestinal tumors. Tumors evaluated included esophageal, gastric, ampullary, pancreatic, rectal and lung to name a few. In addition, it can better characterize nodules (bumps) in the digestive tract.

Key advantages to EUS include the ability to take safe, directed biopsies with ultrasound guidance. In addition, advances in EUS are quickly emerging and future therapeutics roles in cancer treatment are on the horizon. Furthermore, it is an outpatient procedure, so patients can go home the same day. Sedation is given so that patients are comfortable for the duration of the procedure.

Limitations to its widespread use include the fact that extensive training is required for a physician to become proficient in ultrasound interpretation and cancer staging. Advanced training is often required to obtain enough volume of supervised EUS interpretation. GANT has led the way in being the first group to provide EUS to Tarrant County.