Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

Endoscopic ultrasound is a minimally invasive procedure to assess digestive (gastro and pancreatobiliary) and lung diseases. It produces detailed images of the lining and walls of digestive tract and chest, a nearby organ such as pancreas, liver and lymph nodes. Endoscopic ultrasound has evolved from a diagnostic imaging modality to one that can also be used for invasive diagnostics and therapeutic procedures. It is the best imaging model to diagnose a pancreatic tumour, cysts, stones and lymph nodes while it also acts as a therapeutic tool for cancer-related pain.

In a special endoscopy, high-frequency sound waves produce detailed images of the lining and walls of the digestive system, chest, and nearby organs such as the pancreas and lymph nodes, and bile ducts.

These sound waves are then converted into black-and-white images which have to be examined by the doctor. EUS allows you to get very detailed images of the pancreas.

This whole procedure usually takes anywhere between 20 and 45 minutes. To diagnose the problem, it is combined with a procedure called a fine-needle aspiration (FNAS), which removes fluid or tissue for a biopsy or sample.

EUS involves the use of minimal instruments in the body as compared to the active surgery process and hence is very advanced and significant.

The endoscopist can see the pancreas and other organs very clearly which cannot be seen with a CT scan or Magnetic Resonance Cholangio-Pancreatography (MRCP), a special type of magnetic resonance image. CT scans expose patients to radiation; some patients may be unable to get a CT scan because of allergies or kidney problems.