Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) with FNA

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is a procedure that allows for diagnosis and staging of many cancers including lung, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, bile duct and rectum. In addition, EUS evaluates diseases of the lymph nodes of the chest, abdomen and pelvis, as well as masses in the liver.

EUS is a minimally invasive procedure that provides an extremely detailed ultrasound evaluation of the anatomy around the upper and lower GI tract. Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) biopsy of lesions in the chest, abdomen and pelvis are also possible with this technology. This state-of-the-art advancement allows for rapid visual evaluation and diagnostic biopsies of primary tumors and metastatic disease to allow patients to confidently move forward with appropriate surgical, chemotherapeutic or radiation therapies. EUS/FNA complements, and in many cases replaces, previously used imaging studies and procedures that are either more invasive or less sensitive. Accurate staging diagnoses made by EUS/FNA are extremely critical in providing optimal cancer care.

Preparing for Your EUS

After midnight, patients must not eat or drink anything, even water. Tell our staff about any medications you are taking and whether you are allergic to medications or latex. Since you will receive sedation, you cannot drive for 24 hours.

What to Expect During Your EUS

Your throat may be sprayed with a local anesthetic and sedation will be given to help you relax. An endoscope, or long thin tube, will then be passed through your mouth and down into your esophagus, stomach and duodenum (part of the small intestine).This special endoscope contains a light source, a special camera and ultrasound technology that produce sound waves to create visual images of your digestive tract. Special instruments may be used to obtain tissue samples.

What to Expect After Your EUS

A nurse will monitor you until your sedation wears off. Your throat may be sore and you may feel bloated because of air or water introduced during the exam. You must have someone drive you home. Your physician will notify you of the results.