Admin December 9, 2023

Endoscopic Ultrasound: Questions about EUS

Is EUS a painful procedure?

No, the EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasonography) procedure is not painful. Patients are administered light sedation to ensure they experience no discomfort during the procedure. As EUS is conducted inside the digestive tract without any impact on the skin, pain is not expected.
In cases where fine needle aspiration is performed, some individuals may feel mild soreness, which typically resolves within a day or two.

How to prepare for EUS?

Preparing for an endoscopic ultrasound Prior to the EUS procedure, patients receive specific instructions: Fasting for 6 hours before the EUS examination is essential to ensure the readiness of the digestive tract. If undergoing EUS from the rectum, a laxative may be provided to clear the bowels. For patients undergoing EUS with fine needle aspiration, discontinuation of blood-thinning medications may be necessary a few days before the procedure. Planning for recovery is crucial. Patients should arrange for someone to accompany them home after the EUS procedure. Driving immediately after discharge is not recommended, and medical leave for 1-2 days may be advisable.

How is EUS performed?

EUS is typically conducted as a day procedure, allowing patients to return home approximately two hours after its completion. Patients are sedated before the procedure, promoting relaxation and sleep during EUS.
Once sedated, the doctor inserts the EUS through the mouth or rectum, observing the digestive tract or target area on an LCD screen and ultrasound monitor.
For fine needle aspiration, a specialized device is inserted through the EUS channel, emerging from the endoscope's tip into the digestive system. A slender needle from the device targets the abnormal area to obtain cells or fluid for analysis. These cells are then examined under a microscope, mounted on glass slides, and sent to the pathologist.
The endoscope is withdrawn at the end of the 40-minute procedure, and patients wake up shortly after.

What kind of doctor can perform EUS?

Endoscopic ultrasound specialist

EUS procedures demand a high level of skill and expertise and can only be performed by specialists trained in this advanced technique. Specialized training in advanced endoscopy techniques and equipment is crucial for performing EUS. Only specialists with this training can interpret the ultrasound images.
If fine needle aspiration is conducted, the cells are sent to a pathologist who produces a report on the abnormalities identified. The doctor will then discuss the diagnosis and treatment plan based on this report.

What are the risks of EUS?

EUS is a safe procedure when conducted in a medical center with experienced healthcare professionals, such as Dr. Sukrit Singh Sethi in Gurugram, Haryana. Risks are discussed before the procedure, with slightly higher risks associated with the 'Fine Needle Aspiration' procedure.
Generally, risks are small (1-2% for Fine Needle Aspiration and less than 1% for EUS alone) and may include bleeding, adverse reactions to sedation, infection or inflammation around the needle puncture site, and injury to the digestive tract lining. These risks are considered low due to the minimally invasive nature of EUS.
In the rare event of fever, chest pain, or shortness of breath, seeking immediate medical attention is advised. Other serious symptoms requiring medical attention include severe or persistent abdominal pain or black or dark-colored stool.

What kind of results can I expect?

There are two results to review. First, a specially trained gastroenterologist or pulmonologist in EUS will examine the images taken during the procedure. Second, a pathologist will analyze the specimens obtained during the biopsy or fine needle aspiration.
Dr. Sukrit Singh Sethi, a highly experienced Best Gastroenterologist in Gurugram, Haryana, will discuss these results with patients and provide guidance on any necessary next steps.