What is EUS?
EUS stands for endoscopic ultrasound. This is an endoscopy using a camera combined with an internal ultrasound scan. The endoscope is passed via the mouth to the inside of the stomach to allow investigation and treatment of internal diseases. The procedure itself takes 15-45mins, but you will need to allow up to four hours in the hospital for the whole process to be completed. It is necessary for sedation and pain relief to be given which will make the procedure more comfortable.
What are the risks?
The procedure is safe and well tolerated under sedation, but rarely there can be a problem, for example:
- The sedative can affect breathing making it slow and shallow. There is a small risk of an allergic reaction to these medications.
- Bleeding can rarely occur if a biopsy (tissue sample) is taken.
- Perforation (tear in the wall of the upper intestine) is rare with a risk of 1 in 1000 cases. If this does happen, it would require a stay in hospital for treatment with antibiotics and possibly surgical repair.
Are there any alternatives?
Scans with ultrasound, CT or MRI can be done but in many cases, EUS gives more details of organs that might be affected. Unlike a standard scan, EUS also allows an internal biopsy to be taken.
How can I prepare for EUS?
- A clear view of the stomach is needed for the examination to be successful so it must be as empty as possible.
- Please do not eat for six hours before the test. You will be allowed to drink sips of clear fluids only (no milk) up until two hours before the procedure.
- If you are diabetic or taking blood thinning medication (Warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, clopidogrel, ticagrelor or prasugrel), please call us on 07815178199 Mon-Sat between 10:30-11:30am and 2:30-3:30pm for advice.
- Please bring a list of your regular medication and any inhalers/sprays with you.
On arrival at the Endoscopy Unit
- A nurse will check your details including medications and allergies.
- The test will be explained and you will be asked to sign a consent form.
- You will be given a hospital gown to wear and an identity band which you should check for accuracy.
- Before the examination you will be asked to remove any dentures, jewellery glasses or contact lenses. We recommend that you leave any valuables at home.
What happens during EUS?
- A local anaesthetic spray is used to numb the back of your throat- this has a slightly bitter taste and lasts approximately 30 minutes.
- A sedative injection is given. It makes you relaxed and in most cases drowsy or sleepy. It can affect the memory of the procedure in some patients.
- The EUS scope is gently inserted via your mouth into your stomach. This is not painful and will not make breathing or swallowing difficult. The nurse may need to clear saliva from your mouth using a small suction tube.
- Biopsy samples are often taken to help diagnosis and treatment.
Will I feel any pain?
- You may feel some discomfort from the air that is pumped into the stomach.
- You may experience a sore throat for one or two days.
What happens after EUS?
- Following the procedure you will be taken to the Recovery area. You will be monitored for approximately one hour. After you will usually be able to get dressed and have refreshments.
- You should be able to return home the same day. The sedative effects (if administered), may last for 24 hours. Even though you may feel alert you must be accompanied home and must not drive yourself or operate machinery for that period.
- If you had the sedative injection and/or analgesia, you must have a responsible friend or relative to take you home and stay with you for 24 hours. If this is a problem, please telephone the department as soon as possible. Please ask the person collecting you to phone the Endoscopy reception at 01582 497298 regarding your discharge time.
Additional Information
Results/ Will I have a follow-up appointment?
- Upon completion of the EUS, the findings will be discussed with you. We will be able to tell you of any visual findings, however any samples will be sent to the laboratory for testing. This can take up to 3-4 weeks.
- The report will be sent to your referring doctor and your GP.
- If required a follow up appointment will be sent to you through the post.
Air travel
If you have had a diagnostic procedure, you would be advised not to fly for 48 hours after your procedure.
If you have undergone a therapeutic procedure, you should not undertake any air travel for 2 weeks after your procedure. You will be advised on discharge which procedure you have had.
Sleep Apnoea
Please bring your CPAP machine with you for your appointment because if you choose to have sedative injection, due to the possible side effects, it might be necessary for it to be used to ensure your safety.
Pacemaker Device of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
Please bring your pacemaker device or implantable cardioverter defibrillator manufacture information card with you a cardiac
Having a procedure with a training Endoscopist
Endoscopy Training at Luton and Dunstable Hospital
Luton and Dunstable Hospital contributes to the training of Endoscopists and as a result has several trainees working in Endoscopy; this leaflet is provided to inform you about how this may affect your Endoscopy procedure, and support your decision as to whether you are happy to have a trainee perform the procedure.
Although the idea of a trainee may be unnerving, it is often a very positive experience. All our Endoscopy trainees are in a structured training programme within the national guidelines.
Will they be supervised?
Under no circumstances are trainee Endoscopists unsupervised. Depending on the experience of the trainee, an experienced Consultant will be present, and supervising your Endoscopy procedure throughout or will be immediately available in the Endoscopy department. If at any time, you or the trainee has any difficulties the trainer can intervene. All the Endoscopy trainers at Luton and Dunstable Hospital are accredited Endoscopy trainers and we regularly monitor their training skills.
Is it safe?
We carefully monitor our complication rates for Endoscopy and there is no difference in safety with a trainee Endoscopist.
Will it be more uncomfortable?
We carefully monitor patient comfort and have not found any suggestion it will be more uncomfortable.
Will it take longer?
While learning a trainee may be slower than an independent Endoscopist, however, our trainers are experienced in monitoring the length of a procedure and will take over if procedure seems prolonged. On a training list we allow a longer time for the whole Endoscopy experience, and patients often find this makes for a more relaxed atmosphere.
What should I do it I don’t want a trainee?
Let us know you are not happy to have a supervised trainee perform your procedure. Please inform us at least one week in advance of the procedure, so we can ensure you are not booked on a training list. The Endoscopy Booking Office can be contacted on 01582 497273.
For further information
For any medication queries please telephone 07815 178199 Mon- Sat between 10:30–11:30am and 14:30–15:30pm only.
Outside of these hours, this telephone is for Emergency calls only.