Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)

In an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), the probe is attached to a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope. A doctor or nurse inserts the tube into the body. You may have an EUS to look at the digestive system, such as the oesophagus (gullet), stomach and pancreas.

Or you may have it to look at the throat and lungs. In this case, it is called an endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS).

An EUS can be used in the following ways:

• To look closely for any abnormal areas, such as a tumour.
• To measure a tumour or check whether it has spread to areas nearby like lymph nodes.
• To take samples of cells or tissue (called a biopsy) by passing a thin needle along the endoscope. Doctors then look at the samples under a microscope to check for cancer cells.

You will be given instructions from the hospital on how to prepare for an EUS. They will tell what to expect and how long it is likely to take.

You usually have a sedative to help you relax. Sometimes you have a general anaesthetic.

For the ultrasound, you lie on your side. The doctor passes the endoscope into your mouth and through to the area being looked at.

An endoscopic ultrasound takes between 15 and 45 minutes. It can be uncomfortable, but it is not usually painful. It may make you feel sick.

After the ultrasound

After the scan is finished, you can usually go home. If you had a sedative, you should:

• not drive for 24 hours
• have someone to take you home
• have someone to stay with you overnight.

If you have had an anaesthetic, you may have to stay in hospital for a few hours before you can go home.