Endoscopic Ultrasound

In studying esophageal diseases, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) comes in handy for providing more details about lesions in the esophagus. The procedure is done by performing an upper endoscopy using a tip equipped with an ultrasound transducer. Due to its location on the inside of the esophagus, the transducer can provide high-quality images of a lesion, and can tell whether or not a lesion has invaded deep into the layers of the esophagus.

The endoscopic ultrasound evaluates not only the esophageal layers but also the vessels and lymph nodes surrounding the esophagus, and it helps in the staging of esophageal cancer. EUS can determine if a lesion can be resected (removed) using minimally invasive endoscopic techniques such as endoscopic mucosal resection

An endoscopic ultrasound is recommended to diagnose, stage and biopsy benign and malignant lesions of the upper gastrointestinal tract and surrounding organs or structures.

EUS requires an empty stomach, so you will not be allowed to eat or drink for several hours before the procedure.

Upon registration, you will be taken to a pre-op bay. Your throat will be sprayed with a local anesthetic and intravenous sedation will be administered. During the procedure, the doctor will pass an endoscope gently through your mouth and into the stomach and duodenum. The procedure takes approximately 15 to 45 minutes.

Upon waking in a recovery bay, you won't have any recollection of the procedure and might feel a little 'foggy' from the sedative. It's mandatory that a companion be available to drive you home. Your throat may feel a little sore, but you should be able to resume your regular diet approximately two hours after the procedure. Preliminary results may be discussed, and if necessary, a follow-up appointment with any physician on Memorial Hermann's multi-disciplinary team may be scheduled.