Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
Endoscopic ultrasound, or EUS, combines a camera with ultrasound technology to create highly detailed images of organs and tissues near the digestive tract. It is especially useful for evaluating:
- the pancreas
- bile ducts
- gallbladder
- liver
- nearby lymph nodes
- walls of the stomach, small intestine, and colon.
While the patient is asleep under anesthesia, the doctor passes a flexible scope through the mouth or rectum to the area of interest. The ultrasound probe at the tip of the scope provides images from inside the digestive tract, close to the area being examined. This close-up view can provide more detail than standard ultrasound. It may help clarify findings seen on other imaging studies.
EUS is a versatile procedure that can help evaluate:
- unexplained abdominal pain
- pancreatitis
- pancreatic cysts
- lesions/masses
- enlarged lymph nodes
- other abnormalities near the digestive tract
When needed, it can also safely obtain a small tissue or fluid sample to help make an accurate diagnosis and guide the best treatment plan.
Advanced Endoscopy procedures are performed by Wesley Judy, MD, MSBS
