Published with the inputs from Dr Biju I K , Chief & Senior Consultant, Medical Gastroenterology And GI Endoscopy, Baby Memorial Hospitals- Kozhikode

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is a minimally invasive procedure that combines endoscopy (a thin, flexible tube with a camera) and ultrasound (sound waves) to get highly detailed images of the digestive tract and nearby organs such as the pancreas, liver, surrounding lymph nodes and bile ducts. EUS is also used to take tissue samples (biopsies) and guide certain treatments.

What is Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)?

EUS is a procedure where a special endoscope with an ultrasound probe is inserted through the mouth or rectum. It provides clear images of the digestive tract lining and surrounding organs, making it more precise than regular ultrasound or CT scans for certain conditions.

Why is EUS done?

EUS helps diagnose and stage conditions such as:

• Pancreatic cysts or tumors
• Gallstones and bile duct problems
• Gastrointestinal cancers (esophageal, stomach, rectal)
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Chronic pancreatitis

It can also guide fine needle aspiration (FNA) to collect tissue samples for biopsy.

How is the procedure performed?

EUS is usually done under sedation. A flexible tube is inserted through the mouth (for upper GI tract and pancreas) or rectum (for rectum and lower colon). The ultrasound probe at the tip creates detailed images, and if needed, a needle can be passed through the scope for tissue sampling.

Is Endoscopic Ultrasound painful?

No. Patients are sedated or under anesthesia during the procedure, so they do not feel pain. Some mild sore throat, bloating, or discomfort may occur afterward but usually resolves quickly.

What are the risks of EUS?

EUS is generally safe. Rare risks include bleeding, infection, perforation of the digestive tract, or complications from sedation. If a biopsy or drainage is performed, the risks may be slightly higher but still uncommon.

How long does EUS take, and what is recovery like?

The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes. Most patients go home the same day. Normal activities can be resumed within 24 hours, though patients should avoid driving until sedation fully wears off.

How is EUS different from ERCP or CT scans?

• EUS provides high-resolution images and allows for biopsy.
• ERCP is used mainly for treatment (like removing stones or placing stents).
• CT/MRI provide broader imaging but may miss small lesions that EUS can detect.

When it to be done

• Staging of cancers of the pancreas, biliary system, stomach, esophagus, and rectum.
•  Detection of very small stones in the gallbladder and common bile duct (CBD)
• For Biopsy confirmation of cancers of the pancreatic–biliary tree.
• Lymph nodes in the abdomen and chest can be due to cancer or tuberculosis. To differentiate between the two, EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound) is critical.
•  Fluid and pus collection around the pancreas, stomach, and rectum can be drained without surgery using EUS guidance.
• Severe pain in certain abdominal cancers can be relieved by an EUS-guided celiac ganglion. 

Early chronic pancreatitis can be detected by EUS.

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If you have been advised to undergo Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) for pancreatic, bile duct, or digestive tract evaluation, our Gastroenterology & Endoscopy Team offers advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with safety and precision.

📞 Call us or book an Appointment Online to schedule your EUS appointment.