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- Colonoscopy
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- On this page:
- Overview
- What to expect
- Preparation
- Potential complications
- Aftercare
Endoscopic Ultrasound
Because specialty training is needed for this advanced technology, GI Specialists of Georgia is one of the few gastroenterology groups in metro Atlanta to perform this procedure. In 2007, we performed 339.
Overview
Endoscopic ultrasound is a special procedure in which an ultrasound examination is performed from inside the body. This can be performed only by specially trained physicians. A thin flexible tube (endoscope), which has an ultrasound built into it, is inserted through the mouth or rectum. The instrument is passed into the esophagus, stomach, small intestine or rectum. The ultrasound waves pass through the bowel walls and provide very detailed images of adjacent organs such as the pancreas, bile ducts, lymph glands in the chest etc. A thin needle can be passed through the tube and biopsies can be obtained from various sites that may be otherwise inaccessible. This procedure enables accurate staging and diagnosis of tumors of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, bile ducts, lungs, rectum and lymph glands which is essential to formulate a treatment plan.What to expect
During the procedure, everything will be done to ensure your comfort. An intravenous, or IV, line will be inserted to give you medication to make you sleepy. An anesthesiologist makes sure that you get adequate sleeping medicine safely. You will be breathing on your own since general anesthesia is not required.
There is no pain during the procedure even if biopsies are obtained.
On the average, a EUS takes about 30-45 minutes. Afterwards, you’ll be cared for in a recovery area until the effects of the medication have worn off. Your doctor will give you the results of your procedure and provide any additional information that you need to know. You’ll also be given instructions about how soon you can eat and drink, plus other guidelines for resuming your normal routine.
Preparation
Eat a light meal (something easily digested) around 6:00 p.m. the night before the examination. Do not eat any solid food after dinner. However, you may drink liquids until midnight. After midnight, remain NPO (nothing to eat or drink after midnight) until after your procedure the next day.
Plan a 2 to 3 hour stay so that you may be observed following the procedure, as this is considered an operative procedure. You will be sedated and drowsy.
Someone must come with you and stay to drive you home, as you will be drowsy the rest of the day. When you are discharged there will be no delay in your leaving therefore the person driving you must plan to stay at the hospital/facility with you.
Potential complications
Although EUS is a safe procedure, complications can sometimes occur. A perforation of the bowel wall is a rare complication, which could require surgical repair. Other potential complications such as bleeding are quite rare. Be sure to discuss any specific concerns you may have about the procedure with your doctor.
Aftercare
Occasionally, minor problems may persist, such as bloating, gas, or mild cramping. These symptoms should disappear in 24 hours or less. By the time you’re ready to go home, you’ll feel stronger and more alert. Nevertheless, rest for the remainder of the day. You must have a family member or friend take you home. You will not be permitted to leave on your own.
It is possible that you might have a sore throat afterwards which can be soothed with the use of warm saline gargles.