Endoscopic Ultrasound

This is a procedure that allows the doctor to obtain images and information about the digestive tract and surrounding tissue and organs. During the procedure, a small ultrasound transducer is installed on the tip of an endoscope. 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. 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. It can also be used to direct biopsies or tissue sampling of abnormalities. Some uses include evaluating stages of cancer or studying nodules (bumps) in the GI tract. Patients are typically sedated so the procedure is not painful. It is only done at the hospital but most patients can go home just after the test.