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Endoscopic Ultrasound

Northern Medical Group Gastroenterology Division

GASTROENTEROLOGY PRACTICE LOCATED IN POUGHKEEPSIE, NY, FISHKILL, NY & HIGHLAND, NY

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is an advanced imaging procedure that reveals problems in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts. The board-certified team at Northern Medical Group Gastroenterology Division has extensive experience performing EUS and evaluating the results. They also provide comprehensive care in the comfort of their dedicated endoscopy center, where you receive more personalized and cost-effective care than at a hospital. If you have questions or need to schedule an endoscopic ultrasound, call the office in Fishkill, Poughkeepsie, or Highland, New York, or use the online booking feature today.

Endoscopic Ultrasound Q & A

Endoscopic Ultrasound

What is an endoscopic ultrasound?

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) allows your provider to examine your gastrointestinal (GI) tract using a slim, flexible endoscope with a tiny video camera and an ultrasound probe. There are two types of procedures:

Upper EUS

Your provider examines your upper GI tract by inserting the scope through your mouth. Then they carefully guide it through your esophagus, stomach, and into the upper part of your small intestine, called the duodenum. During an upper EUS, they can also study organs near the GI tract, including your pancreas, gallbladder, and lungs.

Lower EUS

Your provider inserts the scope through your anus and guides it through the rectum and colon (large intestine).

How does an endoscopic ultrasound create images?

Like all types of ultrasound, endoscopic ultrasound uses safe, high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of your GI tract. The ultrasound probe sends sound waves into the targeted tissues. The sound waves bounce off structures and return to the probe. Then the probe sends the information to a computer that immediately creates images.

When might I need an endoscopic ultrasound?

Your provider recommends EUS to diagnose the cause of symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, or unexplained weight loss. This procedure is also done to evaluate the extent of existing diseases and to verify findings from other types of imaging.

You may need EUS to diagnose or evaluate conditions such as:

  • Barrett’s esophagus
  • Pancreatitis
  • Pancreatic cysts
  • Bile and pancreatic duct stones
  • Lymphoma
  • Neuroendocrine tumors
  • Liver masses
  • Cancer

Endoscopic ultrasound can diagnose cancer of the esophagus, lungs, pancreas, stomach, colon, and rectum. EUS is also an essential tool for determining the size of the tumor and if your cancer has spread.

What should I expect during an endoscopic ultrasound?

Northern Medical Group Gastroenterology Division gives you specific preparation instructions to follow. If you’re having an upper EUS, you won’t be able to eat or drink for about six hours before your procedure. For a lower EUS, you follow a cleansing regimen to eliminate stool from inside your colon and rectum.

During the endoscopic ultrasound, your provider may perform additional procedures such as a fine needle biopsy. Your doctor can usually talk with you about the ultrasound results the same day, but it takes longer to get the results of a biopsy.

If you have questions about an endoscopic ultrasound, call Northern Medical Group Gastroenterology Division, or book an appointment online today.