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Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a procedure that allows a physician to
obtain images and information about the digestive tract and the surrounding
tissue and organs. In the procedure of endoscopy, a long, flexible tube
that is inserted into the patient’s mouth or rectum enables the doctor to see
images of the digestive tract. In the procedure of ultrasound,
high-frequency sound waves produce images of the organs and structures inside
the body. For EUS, a small ultrasound transducer is installed on the tip of the
endoscope. By inserting the endoscope into the upper or the lower digestive
tract, a doctor can 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 can be more accurate and detailed than images provided by traditional
ultrasound.
When is EUS useful?
EUS can be used for many tasks, including:
- Evaluating stages of cancer
- Evaluating chronic pancreatitis or other disorders of the pancreas
- Studying abnormalities or tumors in organs including the gallbladder
and liver
- Studying the muscles of the lower rectum and anal canal to determine
reasons for fecal incontinence
- Studying nodules (bumps) in the intestinal wall
How is an endoscopic ultrasound performed?
After sedating the patient, the health care provider inserts an endoscope
into the patient’s mouth or rectum. A physician will observe the inside of the
patient’s intestinal tract on a TV monitor and the ultrasound image on another
monitor. The entire procedure usually takes 30 to 90 minutes and usually is done
on an outpatient basis.
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