What is an Endoscopic Ultrasound Procedure?
Endoscopic Ultrasound, or EUS, is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes a thin, flexible tube with an attached ultrasound probe. By inserting this device through the mouth or rectum, healthcare professionals can obtain high-resolution images of organs like the pancreas, stomach, and surrounding structures. EUS is commonly employed for diagnosing gastrointestinal conditions, staging cancers, and guiding therapeutic interventions. If you are looking for an Endoscopic Ultrasound in Rasta Peth, Pune, then the Digestive Endoscopy Clinic can be a great option for you.
Types of EUS probes
Linear Array EUS Probes:
Linear Array EUS probes are a revolutionary tool in the field of endoscopic ultrasound. They feature a linear arrangement of transducers, allowing for high-resolution imaging and exceptional detail. Commonly used for visualizing superficial structures, such as the digestive tract lining and adjacent organs, these probes are invaluable in diagnosing gastrointestinal conditions. Imagine the ability to explore the intricate details of tissues with precision, facilitating early detection and accurate diagnosis.
Radial Array EUS Probes:
Radial EUS probes, characterized by their circular array of ultrasound transducers, provide a 360-degree view of the surrounding tissues. These probes are adept at assessing the layers of the gastrointestinal wall, making them indispensable for detecting and staging various gastrointestinal cancers. The radial configuration allows for precise imaging, enabling clinicians to visualize lesions and abnormalities with exceptional clarity.
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Who needs an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) procedure?
The best endoscopist in Pune, Dr. Suresh Jain, provides EUS tests and diagnostics to help diagnose or evaluate your condition.
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Individuals experiencing unexplained abdominal pain, digestive issues, or suspected gastrointestinal disorders may benefit from an EUS. This procedure allows for precise imaging and helps diagnose conditions such as tumors, cysts, and inflammatory bowel diseases.
Pancreatic and Biliary Diseases: EUS plays a crucial role in evaluating pancreatic and biliary disorders, including pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, and gallstones. The high-resolution images obtained during the procedure aid in early detection and an accurate diagnosis.
Cancer Staging: Oncologists often recommend EUS for staging various cancers, such as esophageal, gastric, and rectal cancers. The detailed imaging provided by EUS assists in determining the extent of cancer spread, facilitating optimal treatment planning.
Submucosal Lesions: EUS is instrumental in identifying and characterizing submucosal lesions, which may include tumors or abnormalities beneath the mucosal layer of the digestive tract. This information is crucial for treatment decisions and surgical planning.
Unexplained Weight Loss: Individuals experiencing unexplained weight loss may undergo an EUS to investigate potential underlying causes, such as tumors or abnormalities affecting the digestive organs.
Chronic Pancreatitis: For patients with suspected chronic pancreatitis, EUS can be a valuable diagnostic tool, providing detailed images of the pancreas and aiding in the assessment of inflammation and structural changes.
What are the potential risks of an EUS procedure?
Bleeding: Although rare, EUS may lead to bleeding, especially if a biopsy is performed during the procedure. The risk is higher for individuals on blood-thinning medications.
Infection: Infection is a potential risk associated with any endoscopic procedure. The use of sterile instruments and adherence to proper hygiene protocols help minimize this risk.
Perforation: In some cases, EUS may inadvertently cause a perforation or tear in the gastrointestinal tract. This is a serious but uncommon complication that may require surgical intervention.
Allergic Reactions: Individuals may experience allergic reactions to sedatives or contrast agents used during EUS. It’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about any known allergies beforehand.
Pancreatitis: The pancreas is a delicate organ often assessed during EUS. Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, is a potential complication, albeit rare.
Discomfort and Pain: While discomfort and pain are expected during and after EUS, severe or prolonged pain should be reported to your healthcare provider.
Complications from Anesthesia: If sedation or anesthesia is administered, there is a minimal risk of complications associated with these medications.
If you follow your doctor’s instructions for preparing for an EUS properly, you can reduce your risk of complications.
How do you prepare your Endoscopic Ultrasound?
Dr. Suresh Jain, a gastroenterologist in Pune, will provide you with specific guidelines for preparing for your EUS. Here’s what you need to do:
Fasting: You’ll probably need to avoid eating for at least six hours before the test to make sure your stomach is empty.
Colon Cleansing: If the EUS is going to be done through your rectum, your doctor might ask you to use a special solution to clean your colon or follow a liquid diet and take a laxative before the procedure.
Medication: Let your doctor know about all the medicines you’re taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, and supplements. Follow the instructions about which medications you can continue and which ones you should stop before the procedure.
Travel: If you’re given medication to help you relax or sleep during the procedure, it might affect your coordination and judgment afterward. Plan for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.
What you can expect after an EUS procedure?
When you get anesthesia, you won’t be awake during the procedure. With a sedative, you might feel a bit uncomfortable, but many people either fall asleep or aren’t fully aware during the procedure.
You’ll probably lie on your left side for the procedure. The doctor uses a thin, bendy tube called an endoscope. It goes either through your throat or your rectum, depending on what the doctor needs to check.
At the end of the endoscope, there’s a tiny ultrasound device. Other tools, like a needle for a biopsy, also go through the endoscope.
The whole EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound) usually takes less than an hour. If it’s a guided procedure with EUS, it might take a bit longer.
After an upper EUS, your throat might feel sore. Throat lozenges could help soothe it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
An ERCP is most commonly used to remove gallstones in the bile duct (also called bilestones). It is also used to remove stones in the pancreatic duct
Typically, patients are sedated during an EUS, ensuring minimal discomfort. The procedure may cause mild throat or rectal irritation, but patients often recover quickly.
Simple exploratory endoscopic ultrasound typically takes less than an hour to complete. If a biopsy or a cyst is drained during EUS, the procedure may take longer. Your doctor may instruct you to arrive at the treatment facility an hour or so before the EUS is scheduled so that preparation for the procedure can begin.