Endoscopic Ultrasound
Serving Your GI Needs for More Than 30 Years
GI Specialists of Georgia provides Atlanta-area patients with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) procedures. In addition to EUS procedures, we offer a wide range of additional, comprehensive GI procedures. Whatever your GI-related needs are, we’re the team for the job. We boast more than three decades of experience and have dutifully served Northwest Atlanta throughout that time.
Preparation
What is an Endoscopic Ultrasound?
An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a medical procedure that allows your physician to examine the esophageal and stomach linings, as well as the walls of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. EUS can also be used to study the lungs, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. This procedure combines endoscopy and ultrasound and creates images of the digestive system.
When is EUS Used?
Your doctor may order you a EUS – also known as a digestive tract ultrasound – to obtain a detailed examination of your digestive tract. This would include your esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, and the organs near your digestive tract, the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. If you’re suffering from abnormal weight loss or abdominal pain, an EUS to diagnose the cause. An EUS may also be used for:
- Evaluating the stages of cancer
- Diagnosing cancers in the digestive tract
- Evaluating pancreatic diseases and disorders
- Studying lesions or nodules on the intestinal walls
- Diagnosing problems in the bile ducts and gallbladder
- Studying the muscles of the lower rectum and anal canal
- Studying abnormalities or tumors in the gallbladder and liver
What to Expect During EUS
Before the procedure begins, you will be sedated. After sedation, an endoscope (thin, flexible tube with a built-in miniature ultrasound probe) is passed through the patient’s mouth or rectum and moved through the intestinal tract. Sound waves from the ultrasound are used to create visual images of the digestive tract. EUS is also used to biopsy tissues and aspirate fluid for analysis. These results may help to diagnose and stage cancers. Throughout the procedure, your vitals will be monitored. This includes your blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart rate. On average, the procedure lasts between 20 to 45 minutes. Because you will be sedated, you should feel no pain or discomfort during the procedure.
What to Expect After EUS
After a EUS procedure, it’s typical that patients to wait for an hour or so in a recovery room. During this time, their vitals will be monitored. Before sending you home, your EUS results will be discussed, as well as the medications you will be taking. After someone drives you home – you are advised not to drive yourself home after this invasive procedure – you can resume your daily routine.
Contact Our Team Today About EUS
To ensure convenience for our valued patients, we boast nine office locations and three endoscopy centers throughout Northwest Atlanta. GI Specialists of Georgia has successfully served the EUS needs of local patients for more than three decades. Contact us today to learn more about our services or schedule a consultation with one of our highly experienced GI specialists.