A guide to endoscopic ultrasound:

Accurate diagnostics inform effective therapies

 We cannot treat what we do not know. Fortunately, individuals from across New York City benefit from the advanced diagnostic capabilities of the seven specialists and subspecialists at Triborough GI. With offices in Brooklyn, Bushwick, the Bronx, and Staten Island, our board-certified gastroenterologists’ expertise is never far away.

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

This blend of endoscopy and ultrasound represents one of many diagnostic technologies available at our specialty practice. The endoscopy part refers to the use of an endoscope to examine the inner lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Ultrasound refers to a service that uses high-frequency sound waves to render images of the bowel wall and neighboring organs and structures, which may then be reviewed and analyzed by our experts. 

There are broadly two different types of endoscopic ultrasound: 

• Upper to assess the health, condition, and function of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and nearby lymph nodes and blood vessels.
• Lower to evaluate for growth and other conditions affecting the rectum, lower colon, bladder, prostate, uterus, lymph nodes, and the muscles of the anus/anal sphincter

As needed, ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) will be used to collect a sample of suspicious or anomalous tissue for biopsy or further evaluation. Overall, EUS may be appropriate to aid in our understanding of an existing cancer (such as for staging) and to find the source of concerning symptoms and problems like fetal incontinence. 

What to expect

Our team will go over every step in the process before your EUS appointment. To prepare for your upper EUS procedure, you will be advised on what to eat and drink (and when to abstain from foods and beverages). It is also essential to arrange for transportation because we will administer a pain-blocking medication that is associated with lingering drowsiness post-ultrasound. For the lower EUS, instructions vary depending on any bowel-cleansing prep that is taken and if a medication is administered for your comfort at the start of the procedure, as this process is typically well-tolerated. 

During the upper EUS, the ultra-thin scope is introduced through your mouth once you are relaxed and comfortable. The scope features a small camera and ultrasound probe, which is used to produce images of the above organs and structures. As appropriate, the painless FNA is completed to obtain a tissue sample. During the lower EUS, you may feel bloated, but discomfort is minimal. The scope is introduced through the anus and passed into the colon, at which time endoscopy and ultrasound images may be seen. Again, FNA may be done if certain anomalies or findings warrant further investigation.

We will monitor you following the procedure and advise when you can resume “normal” eating and drinking. It is essential to rest the day of your procedure. Do not be alarmed by minor sore throat, bloating, swelling, and cramping. These symptoms are normal. Of course, if anything seems concerning, contact Triborough GI right away. 

To find out more about these and other specialty services in Brooklyn, Bushwick, the Bronx, and Staten Island, NY, call the following numbers: (718) 332-0600 for Brooklyn, (718) 987-1700 for Staten Island, (718) 292-3822 for the Bronx, and (718) 821-0643 for Bushwick.