Endoscopic Ultrasound Guided Procedures

Advanced diagnostic & treatment solutions for digestive health at AnMed

At AnMed, we understand that you want clear answers to your health concerns. If you're in Anderson, Oconee, or Pickens counties and are dealing with digestive issues, our advanced Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) procedures are designed to help. This minimally invasive procedure combines endoscopy and ultrasound to give your doctor a detailed view of your digestive system, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and treatment.

What is EUS (Endoscopic Ultrasound)?

EUS uses a small ultrasound device at the tip of an endoscope to take clear pictures of your digestive organs and nearby tissues. The endoscope is carefully inserted into your upper or lower digestive tract, allowing your doctor to see areas that might be hard to spot with CT scans or MRIs.

Endoscopic Ultrasound not only gives clear images but also helps guide fine needle biopsies. This allows your doctor to take tissue samples from places like lymph nodes or growths, helping to diagnose conditions such as cancer, infections, or inflammation.

Pancreatic Pseudo Cyst Drainage at AnMed

A pancreatic pseudocyst is a fluid-filled sac that can form around the pancreas, usually after pancreatitis. At AnMed, we treat these cysts with a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure. This procedure doesn't require surgery and is often done on an outpatient basis, so you can go home the same day.

EUS Guided Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) for Biopsy

Endoscopic Ultrasound is also used to guide fine needle aspiration (FNA), a procedure that takes tissue samples from abnormal growths or masses. This is helpful for diagnosing cancer or other conditions affecting the lymph nodes or organs near the digestive tract like the pancreas and liver.

With EUS, your doctor can carefully guide the needle to the problem area, reducing the risk of harming nearby tissues. The samples are then sent to the lab for analysis, helping your doctor make a more accurate diagnosis.

EUS Directed TransGastric ERCP (EDGE) at AnMed

For patients who have had Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery and need an Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), AnMed offers the innovative EDGE procedure. This non-surgical endoscopic method avoids invasive surgery and can be done as an outpatient procedure, so you can go home the same day.

EUS Guided Gastroenterostomy (EUS-GE)

Patients with blockages due to advanced stage cancers, the EUS guided gastroenterostomy procedure allows patients to continue to eat without surgery or feeding tubes and resume chemotherapy sooner.

Why Choose EUS at AnMed?

EUS is a safe and effective way to diagnose and treat various digestive conditions. Here's why you should choose AnMed for your EUS procedure:

  • Minimally Invasive: EUS is non-surgical, which means less pain, quicker recovery, and fewer risks.
  • Accurate Imaging: EUS provides high-quality images to help your doctor make a more accurate diagnosis.
  • Outpatient Procedure: Most EUS procedures are done on an outpatient basis, so you can go home the same day.
  • Experienced Team: Our specialists are skilled in EUS, ensuring the best care for you.

Pros and Cons of Endoscopic Ultrasound

Pros

  • Clear, high-quality images of your digestive organs.
  • Minimally invasive with a quick recovery time.
  • Can be used to guide biopsies for accurate diagnosis.
  • Most procedures are done as outpatient treatments.

Cons

  • Not suitable for every patient, depending on your condition.
  • Rare risks include infection, bleeding, or injury to surrounding tissues.

Risks and Potential Complications

Though EUS is generally safe, there are some risks, including:

While EUS-guided procedures are generally safe, there are some risks and rare possible complications to be aware of:

  1. Infection: There is a small risk of infection after the procedure.
  2. Bleeding: Some bleeding can occur, especially if a biopsy is taken during the procedure.
  3. Perforation: In rare cases, the procedure can cause a tear in the wall of the digestive tract.
  4. Discomfort: Mild discomfort or a sore throat is common after sedation.
  5. Reaction to Sedation: Some people may have a reaction to the sedative or anesthesia used during the procedure.

Your physician will discuss these risks with you and take all necessary precautions to minimize them during the procedure.

Recovery After EUS-Guided Procedures at AnMed

After your EUS-guided procedure, recovery is usually quick, and most people can go home the same day. Here's what to expect:

  1. Monitoring After the Procedure: You'll be monitored for a few hours to make sure you're recovering well and there are no immediate problems.
  2. Diet Changes: You may need to eat soft foods or liquids for a short time to help your body heal.
  3. Mild Discomfort: Some discomfort, like mild bloating or a sore throat (if you were sedated), is common. This usually goes away within a few hours.
  4. Follow-Up Care: You may need to visit your doctor again, depending on your condition and the results of the procedure.

Long-Term Care and Monitoring

At AnMed, we focus on your health after the procedure to help you stay well. You may need:

  • Regular Checkups: You may need follow-up visits or tests to make sure everything is going well.
  • Healthy Lifestyle Changes: A healthier diet or other lifestyle changes may help prevent problems in the future.
  • Ongoing Support: Regular visits to your doctor will help keep your condition under control and catch any issues early.

Why Choose AnMed for EUS in Anderson, Oconee and Pickens Counties?

Choosing AnMed for your Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) procedure in Anderson means you'll receive the highest quality care and advanced treatment:

  1. Expertise and Experience: Our team of experienced gastroenterologists specializes in EUS, offering precise diagnostics and effective treatment tailored to your needs.
  2. Comprehensive Care: From initial consultation to post-procedure support, AnMed provides thorough, personalized care every step of the way.
  3. State-of-the-Art Facilities: With the latest imaging and ultrasound technology, we perform minimally invasive EUS procedures that promote faster recovery times.
  4. Patient-Centered Approach: We prioritize your comfort, taking the time to answer your questions and providing the support you need throughout the entire process.
  5. Accurate Diagnoses: EUS is a powerful tool for detecting and evaluating conditions, helping us identify issues early for the best possible outcomes.

What is Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)?

Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) combines two techniques: endoscopy and ultrasound. A thin, flexible tube called an endoscope is inserted into your digestive tract. At the tip of the endoscope is an ultrasound device that captures detailed images of your digestive organs and surrounding tissues. EUS helps your doctor see inside your body to diagnose and guide treatment for various conditions.

Why would I need an EUS procedure?

EUS is used to examine the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, and surrounding tissues. It helps diagnose conditions like cancer, pancreatitis, and infections. It is also used to guide biopsies, or tissue samples, from suspicious areas to determine the cause of abnormal growths.

How long does it take to recover from an EUS?

Recovery time is usually quick. Most people can go home the same day. You may need to rest for a few hours as the sedative wears off, but you should be able to return to your normal activities the next day, depending on how you feel.

Are there any risks with Endoscopic Ultrasound?

While EUS is generally safe, like any medical procedure, it carries some risks. These may include infection, bleeding, or injury to the digestive tract. Your doctor will discuss these risks with you before the procedure and take steps to minimize them.

Do I need to prepare for the EUS procedure?

Yes, preparation is required. If you're having an upper Endoscopic Ultrasound, you will need to fast for at least six hours before the procedure. For lower EUS, fasting and bowel preparation may be needed. Your doctor will provide you with specific instructions based on the type of procedure.

What happens after the Endoscopic Ultrasound procedure?

After the procedure, you'll be monitored for a short period until the sedative wears off. If you had a biopsy, your doctor will discuss the results with you once they are available. You may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for a few hours after the procedure if you had the endoscope inserted through your mouth.

What conditions can EUS help diagnose?

EUS is used to diagnose conditions like:

  • Pancreatitis
  • Pancreatic cysts or cancer
  • Esophageal or stomach cancer
  • Lymph node abnormalities
  • Gallstones or bile duct issues. 

It is also used to guide biopsies for a more accurate diagnosis for:

  • Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)
  • Staging rectal and other gastrointestinal cancers

How long does it take to get the results of an EUS biopsy?

If a biopsy was performed during the procedure, it may take a few days to get the results. Your doctor will contact you once the results are available and discuss the next steps.

Is Endoscopic Ultrasound available at AnMed in Anderson, Oconee and Pickens Counties?

Yes, AnMed offers EUS procedures to patients in Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties. Our skilled team of specialists is dedicated to providing you with high-quality care and a comfortable experience throughout your procedure.

How do I schedule an EUS at AnMed?

If you think you may be a candidate for an EUS procedure at AnMed, speak with your gastroenterologist or primary care physician. We’ll guide you through the scheduling process and provide any necessary instructions for preparing for the procedure.

Next Steps

Interested in learning more about the endoscopic ultrasound procedure? Talk with your primary care provider about scheduling a consultation with our expert gastroenterology team at AnMed. Let us help you regain control of your health and achieve the results you desire, right here in Anderson, SC.

Our team will help you understand your treatment options and guide you through the process. We're here to support you on your path to better health.