An Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is a type of endoscopic examination used to assess the digestive tract and other organs, such as the stomach.
The procedure involves inserting a thin, flexible tube down through the mouth to examine the walls and lining of the upper gastrointestinal tract. At the end of the tube is a probe, which gives images of the nearby organs, such as bile ducts, lymph nodes and pancreas.
When you arrive we will talk to you about the procedure and what will happen. You will be offered the choice of sedation or local anaesthetic. The procedure itself involves inserting a thin tube with an ultrasound probe on the end, into the mouth and down into the stomach and small intestine. This is used to examine the walls and lining of the upper gastrointestinal tract and gives images of the nearby organs, such as bile ducts, lymph nodes and pancreas. The endoscopist will take biopsies during the procedure.
- After the procedure you will given time to rest, during which your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing will be monitored. You will be offered a drink once the effects of the sedation have worn off. As the sedation can make you feel drowsy, it is important that you don't drive for 24 hours, so you will need someone to collect and accompany you home. The effects of sedation usually wear off after 24 hours.
