EUS - Endoscopic Ultrasound

EUS examination (ENDOSCOPY using ULTRASONOGRAPHY) is an advanced diagnostic method that combines ENDOSCOPY and ULTRASONOGRAPHY to obtain an accurate picture of the intestine and its adjacent organs. This examination allows Dr. Vasco to see detailed images of the stomach, small intestine, liver, pancreas, bile and lymph.

The examination is carried out by inserting a special endoscope, equipped with an ultrasonographic detector, through the mouth or ring. The device advances inside the digestive system, and with the help of sound waves, it creates detailed images of these tissues and organs. These images allow Dr. Vosko to diagnose various medical conditions, such as tumors, inflammations, and anatomical defects.

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EUS examination Can also be used to perform biopsies from hard-to-reach places by other methods. This is a very accurate test, and usually it is safe and does not involve many complications.

If, as part of the investigation, you have passed a test CT or MRI or gastroscopy which demonstrated findings in the pancreas, lymph nodes, or tissues close to the upper digestive tract - it is recommended to undergo an EUS examination, both for evaluation and for the purpose of taking a biopsy

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Before the examination, certain instructions for preparation will be required, such as fasting for several hours. It is important to follow these instructions to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the test.

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Endoscopic ultrasound is introduced into the upper digestive tract through the patient's mouth using a special endoscope that allows you to conduct an overview of the abdominal cavity and thorax by internal ultrasound. The examination allows you to identify and diagnose tiny processes in the pancreas, biliary tract, esophagus, stomach, liver and nearby lymph nodes. Depending on the findings, it is possible to carry out a series of diagnostic and therapeutic actions using it.

This test is a complementary test to other imaging tests such as CT/MRI  For the identification and characterization of processes that need to be examined more thoroughly. Depending on the findings revealed during the examination, a biopsy (tissue sampling) can be performed using a special needle, which is inserted through the endoscope under the guidance of ultrasound. With the help of EUS It is also possible to carry out therapeutic actions, including: treatment of pain in patients with pancreatic cancer, drainage of abscesses or pseudocysts in the pancreas, injection of chemotherapeutic agents into tumors and drainage of blocked bile ducts.

• EUS examination test takes an average about 40 minutes.
• The test is carried out under obfuscation (sedation), which is given through the lowered before the test.
• After receiving the blur, a “tooth holder” will be inserted into your mouth, the purpose of which is to keep your mouth open throughout the examination.
• The test is performed lying on the left side. During the examination, monitoring devices will be connected to your body to check your heart rate, blood pressure, and respiratory activity.
• During the examination, the doctor inserts the device through the mouth, placing it in the area of interest. Through the wall of the esophagus of the stomach or duodenum and using a special ultrasound attached to the end of the device, internal organs of the abdominal cavity and thorax can be scanned. If necessary, biopsies will be taken, which will be sent for histological examination (examination under a microscope).
• In some cases, the patient will be given prophylactic antibiotics at the time of the operation to prevent infection.

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• Regular medications for hypertension and heart disease should be continued on the morning of the examination.
  Detailed instructions should be given on how to deliver blood-thinning drugs such as Fluix, Warfarin, etc.

• For diabetics — do not inject insulin or take any other medicine on the morning of the test.
• If you are using respiratory support devices CPAP /BPAP Due to nocturnal apnea or obstructive pulmonary disease you should bring the device for gastroscopy examination.
• If you have asthma, it is recommended that you take a dose of the inhaler two hours before the start of the test.
• If you have a pacemaker or defibrillator, a checkup at a pacemaker clinic is required about two weeks before the gastroscopy is performed. Gastroscopy examination should be reached with a summary of a visit to a pacemaker clinic.

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• After the examination, you will be transferred to a recovery room, where you will be able to rest under supervision.
• The duration of recovery usually ranges from half an hour to an hour and at the end you can drink and even start eating.
• There may be a temporary feeling of abdominal swelling and pain due to the introduction of air during the examination.
  This feeling will be relieved and disappear after removing gases.
• It is important to remember that there is a small percentage of complications after the operation including inflammation and bleeding. In the case of severe abdominal pain, you may be referred to the ER for further clarification and exclusion of significant complications.
• When you feel well and well, you will be released to your home by the nurse.
• The results of the examination will be given by the doctor after the examination, preferably in the presence of a relative or other person close to you. If biopsies were taken, their results will be delivered by mail a few weeks after the examination.
• Consult with the examining doctor and the family doctor about returning to the use of regular medications, especially blood thinners.