An endoscopic ultrasound examines your esophagus, stomach and small intestine using an ultrasound device attached to a flexible tube. The detailed pictures produced by the ultrasound attachment gives us more information to use in diagnosis and treatment. This technology also allows our doctors to examine the walls of the intestinal tract, the pancreas, liver, gallbladder and other nearby organs.
Using endoscopic ultrasound, we can also take samples of growths like cysts and determine if they are cancerous or drain cysts if needed. Our team of experts perform close to 1000 endoscopic ultrasounds per year at Hartford Hospital.
Before the Procedure
Drink only clear liquids after midnight the night before the exam and have nothing by mouth four hours prior to the procedure.
Always check with your physician about taking any medication the day of your exam. This includes over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements. You may be advised to stop taking any blood thinners (such as aspirin, vitamin E, ibuprofen or Coumadin) two weeks prior to the exam or modify the dose (insulin, oral hypoglycemic, blood pressure and cardiac medications) the day of the exam. Please bring with you a list of ALL medications you take.
During the Procedure
An endoscopic ultrasound is similar to an upper endoscopy. After registering, you will be brought to a private exam room, where a specially trained nurse and your physician will review your medical history, explain the procedure and answer your questions prior to the procedure.
In the Preparation Room, an intravenous line – a thin, bendable tube – will be inserted into a vein in your arm or hand and your vital signs will be monitored closely. You then will be placed on your left side. After sedation is delivered intravenously, the physician will pass the scope through your mouth along your esophagus into your stomach while watching a TV monitor.
Air and water is used to slightly inflate the stomach and wash away any residual food so that the lining of the stomach and small intestines can be seen clearly. If an abnormality such as a mass or abnormal appearing lymph nodes is seen, a sample of tissue (needle biopsy) may be taken during this procedure. The tissue sample will be sent to the pathology lab for evaluation. Results are usually available within a week. The actual procedure may take 30-60 minutes, longer than an upper endoscopy.
The endoscopic ultrasound is rarely causes discomfort. A small percentage of patients experience a mild sore throat after the procedure and this usually resolves in a day or so. If persistent discomfort persists, you should contact your doctor.
After the procedure, you will be brought to a recovery room where your vital signs are monitored briefly. You will be discharged with a family member or a friend.
After the Procedure
Discharge instructions will be reviewed with you before the exam. The doctor will speak with you and a family member (if you wish) after the procedure. The written results of your exam and any other instructions will available after the procedure.
You must be discharged with someone who will drive you home and assure your well-being once home. Please arrange to have someone stay with you or be accessible if a problem arises after discharge. This is especially important for elderly patients and those with significant medical histories, such as diabetes and cardiac conditions.
You will be instructed not to drive or drink alcohol for the rest of the day. Avoid activities that require mental acuity or physical activity, such as sports, legal decisions or using power tools. Rest at home with light activity for the remainder of the day.
In most cases, patients may resume their usual diet immediately. If your doctor advises differently, this will be noted on the instructions. You may resume your usual medications unless indicated on the discharge instructions. If biopsies were done, your doctor might recommend avoiding blood thinners, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and Coumadin, for several days to prevent bleeding.