An overview of Endoscopic Ultrasound
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a minimally invasive medical procedure that combines the use of a thin, flexible endoscope inserted into the gastrointestinal tract and ultrasound technology to create detailed images of the digestive tract and surrounding organs. EUS can capture images of the lining and walls of any organ along the gastrointestinal tract and can also be used to perform procedures like fine-needle aspiration or biopsy, fluid extraction, or drug delivery. This test is typically performed by a gastroenterologist or pulmonologist with special training in EUS procedures. EUS can help assess damage to tissues, determine the presence of cancer, evaluate tumor invasion, and provide more-detailed information about detected lesions.
What is Endoscopic Ultrasound used for?
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a minimally invasive procedure that combines the use of a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) and ultrasound technology to assess diseases of the digestive tract and nearby organs and tissues. It creates detailed images of the digestive tract, lungs, pancreas, gallbladder, liver, lymph nodes, and other surrounding structures. EUS is used to assess damage to tissues due to inflammation or disease, determine the presence or spread of cancer, assess cancer invasion and advancement, provide more-detailed information about lesions, extract fluid or tissue for diagnostic testing, drain fluids from cysts, and deliver therapies to targeted regions. EUS is generally safe when performed by an experienced healthcare team, although it may carry risks such as bleeding, infection, or tearing (perforation) of an organ wall. Your doctor will discuss these risks with you before the procedure.
How to prepare for Endoscopic Ultrasound?
To prepare for an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) test, you will likely need to fast for at least six hours before the procedure and follow specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider. These instructions may include colon cleansing, using a colon cleansing solution or a liquid diet and laxative, and avoiding certain medications or supplements. It's important to discuss any medications or supplements you are taking with your doctor, and to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as some medications may impair your coordination and judgment.
How is Endoscopic Ultrasound conducted?
Endoscopic ultrasound is conducted by inserting a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) into the gastrointestinal tract, either through the throat or the rectum, depending on the purpose of the procedure. The endoscope has a tiny ultrasound transducer at the end, which produces detailed images of the digestive tract, surrounding organs, and tissues, including the lungs, pancreas, gall bladder, liver, and lymph nodes. The procedure is usually performed by a gastroenterologist or pulmonologist with specific training in EUS procedures.
How are Endoscopic Ultrasound results reported?
The results of an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) are typically interpreted by a specialist in digestive diseases or lung disease with special training in EUS. The results will be discussed with the patient by their doctor. If the EUS-guided procedure involves fine-needle aspiration or biopsy, a pathologist will also report the test results. Your doctor will discuss any important findings and the next steps with you based on the results.
Understanding the report
Endoscopic ultrasound results are interpreted by a specialist in digestive diseases or lung disease with special training in EUS. These healthcare professionals analyze the images produced by the procedure and provide a detailed report on their findings. If a fine-needle aspiration or biopsy was performed during the EUS, a pathologist will also review the results and provide their expertise. Your doctor will then discuss the results with you, explain any important findings, and outline the next steps in your care.
Limitations and Considerations
Limitations of the endoscopic ultrasound test may include:
- Limited visualization of deeper structures: The images produced by EUS are limited by the depth and location of the organ or tissue being examined. EUS may not provide the same level of detail and accuracy as other imaging tests, such as CT or MRI scans, for deeper structures.
- Dependency on expertise and experience: EUS requires a skilled healthcare professional to perform and interpret the results. The accuracy of the test can be influenced by the expertise and experience of the healthcare professional performing the procedure.
- Potential risks and complications: Although rare, EUS carries potential risks such as bleeding, infection, and perforation (tearing) of organ walls. These risks may vary depending on the specific EUS-guided procedure being performed.
- Not suitable for all patients: EUS may not be appropriate for certain patients, such as those with severe bleeding disorders, severe respiratory or cardiac conditions, or those who are pregnant. Individual patient circumstances can influence the suitability of the test.
It is important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if endoscopic ultrasound is the right test for your specific situation and to discuss any potential limitations or risks associated with the procedure.