Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) in Indianapolis, IN
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Find a ProviderWhat is an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)?
An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a procedure where a pliable, slim tube gets inserted through the mouth. It is carefully pushed through to the duodenum (the start of the small intestine) or inserted through the rectum to analyze the large intestine. The scope that has a camera and light provides our GI providers the ability to analyze the lining of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, or rectum. The EUS scope also has an ultrasound probe. This allows for better analysis of the GI tract like the intestinal walls and other organs. Your GI provider at Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology may order this test to check for abnormalities in the intestinal wall, the biliary system, and the pancreas. This test is commonly used to diagnose cancer.
When you’re living with irritation and discomfort, let an endoscopic ultrasound assist to help diagnose and treat your issues. Learn more and request a consultation at Indianapolis, IN today to receive the help you need.
Why would my physician order an EUS?
Our GI providers might order an endoscopic ultrasound for a plethora of different reasons. A few frequent reasons for an EUS ultrasound are:
- To analyze bile duct stones
- To study tumors or any other abnormalities in the organs (e.g., the gallbladder or liver)
- To analyze disorders in the pancreas
- To evaluate the progression of Barrett's esophagus
- To assess the progress of cancer in the GI tract
- To study the muscles in the anal canal and lower rectum to determine potential causes of fecal incontinence
- To study nodules along the wall of the intestines
- To check for inflammatory disease (sarcoidosis)
What should I expect the day before my endoscopic ultrasound?
Our team will provide instructions on how you can prepare for your EUS. Generally, you can eat and drink as normal the day before the procedure. Indianapolis, IN patients, are told not to ingest anything by mouth after midnight, except for medications. We’ll also provide additional instructions about your specific medications, including information for diabetics and patients on blood thinners like Coumadin®, Plavix®, warfarin, aspirin, and other anti-inflammatories. Request an appointment with us at Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology to learn more.
What will happen on the day of my procedure?
On the day of, you should be at the endoscopy center 1-1.5 hours before your EUS procedure to allow time to fill out any needed paperwork. To prepare for the procedure, you will change into a medical gown and have an IV (intravenous) catheter placed. There will also be monitoring systems to check your pulse, blood pressure, breathing, electrocardiogram, and oxygen level throughout the process.
Once present in the exam room, you will lie on the table on your left side. Sedation will be administered in small doses to ensure you have no reactions. Once you’re fully sedated, the endoscope is inserted into the mouth. The scope then carefully travels through your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. Tiny amounts of air are introduced into your GI tract to assist the GI specialist to see clearer. Any remaining fluids in the GI tract are removed by suction through the scope. The findings will determine if additional tests are needed. This can include biopsies, polyp removal, and controlling bleeding. Once the exam is finished, the scope suctions out air and fluid. The time to completion is around a half-hour to an hour, depending on what is found.
You’ll be taken to the recovery room to be monitored until the sedation wears off. Generally, you’ll be discharged within 45 minutes, although how long it takes is dependent on how much was used, and how you respond to sedation. Arrangements for a ride home should be made, as you won’t be able to drive for the rest of the day. Our Indianapolis, IN patients shouldn't sign important documents, work, or engage in physical activities for the remainder of the day. You can eat and drink as normal after your procedure. However, our providers will provide you with specific instructions on eating and taking medication.
Our providers at Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology will review the results of your procedure with you after it’s complete. It is recommended that you be someone with you to review the results, as it is likely you won’t remember because of the sedation. A typed report will be sent home with you. If a sample was taken for a biopsy, you should receive the results within a week.
Is an endoscopic ultrasound a risky procedure?
An EUS is generally safe to perform, with complications presenting in less than 1% of patients. For the most part, these issues are not particularly dangerous, but they may lead to hospitalization and surgery in some cases. Before you start the exam, a member of the nursing staff will go over a consent form with you. You can bring up any questions or concerns you might have at this point.
One risk is that you might have a response to the sedation used for the procedure. These responses may include difficulty breathing, allergic reactions, irritation in the blood vessel used to administer the sedative, and effects on the heart and blood pressure.
Bleeding may result from biopsies and fine needle aspiration. Serious bleeding — which may require hospitalization and/or a blood transfusion — is rare.
Puncture or perforation of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, or rectum is also possible. This issue may be noticed during the exam or may not be evident until later. These cases often require surgery and hospitalization. These issues are not common, even when biopsies or fine needle aspirations are carried out.
You should contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms after the procedure, including bleeding, fever, or pain in the abdomen.
Like all tests, endoscopic ultrasounds are not flawless. There is a minor, acknowledged risk that some disorders, including cancer, may be missed during the exam. It is crucial to stay in contact with your Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology gastroenterologist and keep them apprised of any developing or ongoing problems.
What are my options besides an endoscopic ultrasound?
There may be a few options apart from EUS. However, an EUS can be a great way to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal problems. Other options are diagnostic exams that include CT/CAT scans, MRIs, and transabdominal ultrasounds. But an endoscopic ultrasound is a diagnostic procedure that can successfully treat abnormalities.
Using advanced technology to treat your GI symptoms
An endoscopic ultrasound is one way to examine and determine the cause of your unwanted GI symptoms at Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology. If you’re interested in scheduling with ultrasound, request an appointment in our Indianapolis, IN location.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) Videos
Reviews
I’ve been going to Dr Morelli for 18 years! I have had several colonoscopies by Dr Morelli and he is absolutely excellent in his field! He has a great bed side manner and makes you feel comfortable and safe! 👍❤️
I had to go in for a routine procedure (endoscopy) to determine if I had an autoimmune disease associated with some symptoms I’ve been having. Procedure went well, no concerns/complaints and I didn’t remember a thing about the procedure itself. Bill (a nurse), Adam (the anesthesiologist) and a plethora of other nurses were fantastic. I had one poor experience. The second from last nurse I had made comments about me coming down from anesthesia, making comments like “don’t act high, we didn’t give you narcotics”. I personally get very anxious/nervous when coming down from any kind of sedation and when I do, I tend to a nervous giggle/twitch from anxiety. My fiancé was in the room and immediately his ears perked up, and he started listening in. Then shortly after, I was asking questions about the procedure because they stated they didn’t see anything, and I was told by that same nurse that it was extremely unlikely that I had this condition because I was “too big” and didn’t fit the criteria. Which is 100% untrue (she did not use the words fat, but the comment was suggestive enough for me to understand what she meant by it). I am a little larger than average, about 165-175lbs on a bad day, and her comments absolutely crushed me because I’ve been on a weight loss journey and have lost about 30/40lbs in the past year. She made similar comments of how I would’ve had this condition since I was young, and that these people are “sticky skinny, pale and anemic” (which I was all of those for years until I gave birth to my last child) and that these conditions are “lifelong” and “don’t suddenly appear” (I was told the opposite by my physician). All in all, it was a pleasant experience until the very end. I may have to get another procedure done here and I would trust them enough to confirm a diagnosis. But some, I’d recommend, should take another course on bedside manner.
Great service/customer care . everyone there was very helpful and considerate starting at the check-in desk . The doctor was very easy to talk to and seemed truly interested in my case. everyone there was very kind and professional
Dr Crane is great
Dr.roberts I highly recommend him. He is thorough and gives enough time with patients
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