What is Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)?

A combination of endoscopy and ultrasound from inside your body

EUS uses a flexible tube with an ultrasound probe at its tip, introduced through the mouth or rectum, to generate high-resolution images of internal organs. Unlike external scans, EUS provides closer and clearer views of the digestive tract and nearby structures.

It helps examine:

• 🔍 Pancreas, bile ducts, gallbladder, liver
• 🔍 Digestive tract layers: esophagus, stomach, intestines, rectum
• 🔍 Lymph nodes, nearby masses, chest (mediastinum)
• 🔍 Left kidney and adrenal glands
• 🔍 Enables tissue sampling using a fine needle

When and Why Do We Use EUS?

To find causes, confirm diagnoses, and guide treatment

• Unexplained upper abdominal pain
• 📌 Chronic pancreatitis diagnosis
• 📌 Bile duct block with jaundice
• 📌 Evaluation of pancreatic cysts or tumors
• 📌 Cancer staging (GI, pancreas, rectum)
• 📌 Subepithelial lesion investigation
• 📌 Precise biopsy via fine-needle aspiration

EUS Can Also Treat Certain Conditions

Beyond diagnosis – Minimally invasive therapies guided by ultrasound

• 🟢 Pancreatic fluid collection drainage
• 🟢 Gallbladder or bile duct drainage (if ERCP not feasible)
• 🟢 Celiac plexus neurolysis for pain relief in cancer
• 🟢 Internal access creation for drainage procedures
• 🟢 Injection therapies directly into specific masses

How is the Procedure Done?

Safe, effective, and usually done as day-care

• 🛌 Sedation or anesthesia provided
• 🧪 Scope passed through mouth or rectum
• 📡 Real-time ultrasound imaging used to guide the procedure
• 🧫 Biopsy or therapy performed if needed
• ⏱️ Time: 30–60 minutes
• 🏥 Day-care basis; discharge same day

After the Procedure

• ✅ Most patients go home the same day
• ✅ Mild throat discomfort or bloating may occur
• 📄 Results discussed at follow-up (if biopsy taken)
• ⚠️ Rare risks: Bleeding, infection, mild pancreatitis