EUS
Endoscopic Ultrasound
Endoscopic ultrasound, or EUS, combines endoscopy with ultrasound imaging to create detailed views of the digestive tract and nearby organs and tissues, including the pancreas, bile ducts, gallbladder, and lymph nodes. EUS can help evaluate symptoms, clarify findings from other imaging tests, or guide tissue and fluid sampling when needed.
What Is Endoscopic Ultrasound?
Endoscopic ultrasound is a procedure that combines endoscopy with ultrasound imaging. During EUS, a gastroenterologist uses a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope. A small ultrasound device at the tip of the endoscope uses sound waves to create detailed images of the digestive tract and nearby organs.
Endoscopic ultrasound may also be called EUS, endosonography, upper EUS, lower EUS, or EUS-guided biopsy when tissue or fluid sampling is performed.
Unlike a standard endoscopy, which primarily shows the lining of the digestive tract, EUS adds ultrasound imaging to help view deeper layers and nearby organs or tissues.
Upper EUS — examines the upper digestive tract and nearby organs such as the pancreas, bile ducts, gallbladder, liver, lymph nodes, and surrounding tissues
Lower EUS — evaluates the rectum, anal sphincter, colon, nearby lymph nodes, or surrounding tissues
Why Might I Need an ERCP?
Your physician may recommend EUS when more detailed imaging is needed to evaluate the digestive tract, nearby organs, or an area seen on another test. EUS may also help guide diagnosis, staging, or tissue sampling when needed.
Abnormal Imaging Findings
When CT, MRI, endoscopy, or another test shows a cyst, lesion, mass, nodule, or unclear area, EUS can provide a closer view.
Cancer Evaluation and Staging
EUS can help assess how deeply a tumor involves nearby tissue and whether nearby lymph nodes need additional evaluation.
Digestive Symptoms or Unexplained Pain
Pancreas, Bile Duct, and Gallbladder Concerns
EUS provides detailed imaging of the pancreas, bile ducts, gallbladder, and nearby structures to help evaluate cysts, inflammation, masses, bile duct changes, or gallstone-related concerns.
Areas EUS may evaluate include the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, rectum, colon, pancreas, bile ducts, gallbladder, liver, lymph nodes, and nearby tissues.
Your EUS Procedure Journey
Your exact experience will depend on the area being evaluated and whether a biopsy or fluid sample is needed, but the process generally follows these steps.
1
Referral and Review
Your physician reviews your symptoms, health history, and previous imaging or test results.
2
Preparation Instructions
You may be asked to fast before the procedure. For lower EUS, additional bowel preparation may be needed.
3
Day of Procedure
EUS is typically performed as an outpatient procedure with sedation. You will need someone to drive you home.
4
Imaging and Evaluation
The gastroenterologist uses ultrasound imaging to examine the digestive tract and nearby organs or tissues.
5
Biopsy or Fluid Sampling, If Needed
When tissue or fluid sampling is needed, the physician can use EUS guidance to target the area precisely.
6
Recovery and Results
You will be monitored after sedation. Visual findings may be reviewed sooner, while biopsy or fluid sample results may take additional time.
EUS-Specific Capability
EUS-Guided Biopsy or Fine-Needle Aspiration
EUS can guide a thin needle through the endoscope to collect tissue or fluid from a cyst, mass, lymph node, or other area that needs closer evaluation. This may be called EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration, EUS-FNA, or EUS-guided biopsy. Biopsy or fluid sampling is only performed when clinically appropriate. When a sample is collected, it is sent to a lab for review.
- May help evaluate cysts, masses, lymph nodes, or suspicious tissue
- May support diagnosis or staging
- Not every EUS includes a biopsy
- Lab results may take additional time
Risks and Safety
EUS is generally considered safe when performed by an experienced care team, but all procedures carry some risk. Your physician will explain the benefits and risks based on your health history and whether biopsy or fine-needle aspiration is needed.
Common Side Effects
Sore throat, bloating, gas, or mild discomfort after the procedure.
Sedation-Related Risk
As with any sedated procedure, there is a small risk of reaction to sedation.
Biopsy or Sampling Risks
If tissue or fluid is sampled, there may be a small risk of bleeding, infection, or pancreatitis, depending on the area being evaluated.
Call your care team or seek medical attention if you experience fever, severe or persistent abdominal pain, chest or neck pain, severe nausea or vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, or trouble swallowing after the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between EUS and a regular endoscopy?
A regular endoscopy lets the physician view the inside lining of the digestive tract. EUS adds ultrasound imaging, which allows the physician to see deeper layers and nearby organs or tissues.
Why would my doctor order an endoscopic ultrasound?
Your doctor may recommend EUS when detailed imaging is needed to evaluate the digestive tract, pancreas, bile ducts, gallbladder, lymph nodes, or an abnormal finding from another test.
What organs can EUS evaluate?
Depending on the type of EUS, the procedure may evaluate the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, rectum, colon, pancreas, bile ducts, gallbladder, liver, lymph nodes, or nearby tissues.
Will I need a biopsy during EUS?
Not always. If your physician sees an area that needs closer evaluation, EUS may be used to guide a fine-needle biopsy or fluid sample.
How should I prepare for EUS?
Your preparation depends on the type of EUS. You may need to fast before the procedure, adjust certain medications, or complete bowel preparation for lower EUS.
Is endoscopic ultrasound painful?
EUS is usually performed with sedation, so most patients are comfortable during the procedure. Some patients may have a sore throat, bloating, or mild discomfort afterward.
How long does an EUS take?
Many EUS procedures take less than an hour, although procedures that include biopsy or other EUS-guided steps may take longer.
When will I get my results?
Your care team will review the procedure findings with you. If a biopsy or fluid sample is taken, lab results may take additional time.
Can I drive after EUS?
No. Because EUS is typically performed with sedation, you will need someone to drive you home.
Location
Endoscopic Ultrasound is performed at NCH Gastroenterology outpatient locations.
-
3302 Bonita Beach Rd Se, Suite 170, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
-
(239) 624-8070
Explore All Gastroenterology Services
Conditions, screenings, and advanced GI care at NCH.
Take the Next Step
Talk with an NCH gastroenterology specialist about whether endoscopic ultrasound is the right next step for your symptoms, imaging findings, or diagnostic needs.