Endoscopic Ultrasound Provides a Better Look into Solid Tissue
An endoscopic ultrasound, or EUS, combines two ways of imaging: upper endoscopy and ultrasound. A small ultrasound probe on the end of the endoscope produces sound waves, which are translated into images. This allows the doctor to see further into solid tissues where an endoscope cannot travel. In addition to providing a better look, EUS can be used to take tissue samples for biopsy, drain cysts and deliver medications directly to organs.
EUS is helpful for examining several digestive conditions, including:
Barrett’s esophagus
Bile duct stones
Cancer (colorectal, esophageal, pancreatic, liver or stomach)
Pancreatitis
Pancreatic cysts
EUS is especially helpful for looking at potentially cancerous tumors, masses and growths. EUS is often combined with fine needle aspiration (FNA), in which a thin, hollow needle is inserted into suspicious areas. When the needle is removed, it has collected several layers of tissue samples. This process is painless. Because FNA is done with ultrasound guidance, the doctor knows exactly which areas should be sampled. The tissue samples can be studied under a microscope to determine if they are cancerous or not. Without EUS and FNA, an exploratory surgery would need to be performed.
Preparing for an EUS is the same as preparing for an upper endoscopy and involves fasting and pausing certain medications. The entire EUS procedure takes about one hour, and patients can return home after a brief observation period following the procedure. The risks associated with EUS are similar to those of other endoscopic procedures. There is a slight risk for bleeding, infection or tearing of the digestive tract. These risks are minimized when seeking care from a doctor highly experienced in endoscopy such as one at AdventHealth Digestive Health Institute. If fine needle aspiration has been done on the pancreas, there is a small risk for pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas.
Endoscopy Services
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Endoscopic Ultrasound. Comprehensive health services are offered at our AdventHealth Digestive Health Institute. We are invested in your long-term health goals.
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Surgical Consultations For Digestive Cancer Without The Wait
Appointments Within Five Days for Patients with Cancer
At AdventHealth Digestive Institute, we know that after being diagnosed with cancer, patients want and often need to begin treatment quickly. So we make it a priority to offer appointments for cancer surgery consultations within five business days, and often earlier.
Patients who are newly diagnosed with cancer, or have just found out they have cancer again, qualify for this priority access. Our surgeons will make themselves available to see you right away, even for a second opinion. We want to help you start your treatment as soon as possible.
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