Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is used to view the walls of your digestive tract and other nearby organs. An ultrasound uses sound waves to make images of the inside of the body. In an EUS, the ultrasound probe is passed down the throat or up the rectum and into the digestive tract.
EUS may be used to: Diagnose or find the cause of a pain or abnormality in the digestive tractLocate and view tumors or abnormalities in the pancreas, bile ducts, and chest cavityUnderstand the extent of certain cancers and whether they have spread to lymph glands or other vital organs
Take tissue samples (
) to diagnose a condition
Provide needle aspiration (to drain a cyst)
Complications are rare, but no test is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have EUS, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include: InfectionBleedingMild sore throat for 1-2 daysReaction to sedativesRegurgitation of stomach contents into the lungsDamage to digestive tract
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include: Increased ageHaving other medical conditions
Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the test.
Leading up to the test, your doctor may instruct you to: Avoid eating or drinking (not even water) for at least six hours before the test.Take a special cleansing solution, laxative, or enema. This will clean out your intestines. You may also be asked to follow a clear liquid diet.Arrange for a ride home after the test if you have to take a sedative.
In most cases, it is okay to take aspirin and other blood-thinning medications before the test. Ask your doctor if you take these medications.
Your doctor may spray your throat with a local anesthetic. This will numb your throat, so you will not feel discomfort. You may also be given a sedative. This will help you to relax and reduce anxiety.
In most cases, you will lie on your left side. A thin, flexible tube, called an endoscope, will be inserted either through your throat or anus. The endoscope will have an ultrasound probe on the end of it. The ultrasound machine will create images of the digestive tract. When the imaging is done, your doctor will gently pull the endoscope out.
In some cases, the doctor might use the ultrasound to help take a biopsy or drain a cyst. If this happens, the doctor will insert tools through the endoscope to the area.
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After the test, you will recover in a special area. Your throat may be a little sore. Slight bloating is normal from the air and water that entered the digestive tract.
EUS is slightly uncomfortable.
Your doctor may talk to you about the results right away. If you had a biopsy, it may take longer to receive results.
After the test, call your doctor if any of the following occurs: Pain or discomfort that does not go away or worsensVomiting blood, blood in stool, or dark black stoolIndigestionNew or unusual symptoms
In case of an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
Jacobson B, Chak A, et al. Quality indicators for endoscopic ultrasonography.
American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2006;101:898-901.
Understanding EUS (endoscopic ultrasonography). American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy website. Available at:
http://www.asge.org/PatientInfoIndex.aspx?id=380. Accessed September 23, 2014.
Last reviewed August 2014 by Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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