Click here to skip to content

EUS Upper

Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS) Upper Procedure 

Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS) is a procedure that joins traditional endoscopic procedures with ultrasound technology. This allows the examination of tissue and structures not only within the digestive tract, pancreas, gallbladder, but also surrounding it.


How to prepare for the procedure 

For an upper EUS:      

  • No food or liquids (this includes water) minimally 6 hours prior to the procedure.

     
  • You may also have diet and/or medication restrictions (especially aspirin and/or other anti-inflammatory products).
     
  • If you are on Coumadin or other blood thinners, please contact your primary care physician (PCP). Notify the gastroenterologist if your PCP feels you need to continue on the Coumadin.  

     
  • Plan to take the day off from work for the exam.

     
  • Plan to have someone you know drive you home. Since the procedure is usually performed with intravenous sedation, you will be instructed to not drive a car or return to work until the next day.

     
  • Contact the physician and inform him or her of any special needs, medical conditions, latex allergy or current medications you are taking.

     
  • The GI Lab staff will attempt to contact you the evening before your procedure to answer any questions you may have.

     
 


What to expect once you arrive for the procedure 

  •   

    Our receptionist will verify your insurance information with you when you arrive 
    You may be expected to arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled exam time.
     

 

  • You may have an intravenous line placed, since the procedure is usually performed with intravenous sedation.

     
  • You will be asked if there is a responsible person to drive you home after the exam.

     
  • The procedure usually takes about 60-90 minutes.

     
  • During the exam, there is often a feeling of pressure in the abdominal area.

     
  • Your physician may give you medication to help you relax and better tolerate the exam.

     
  • Patients usually lie on their left side.

     
  • During the procedure the physician may take biopsies (small tissue samples), remove polyps (growths on the lining of the stomach), or aspirate cysts or growths.

 


What to expect after the procedure


 

  • After the procedure is completed you will recover for about 30 to 45 minutes.

     
  • You may experience a sore throat after the procedure.

     
  • Once you have met the discharge criteria, the physician will discuss with you the preliminary findings.

     
  • After the recovery period patients are able to go home and usually eat right away.

     
  • Diet and/or medication restrictions may be given to certain patients depending on the findings of the exam.

     
  • If a cyst is aspirated, the patient will be prescribed antibiotics.  

     
  • Patients are provided discharge instructions to take home.
 


The nature of our practice is to provide our patients the utmost in care and services. We ask ahead of time to please excuse any delay in care. Our commitment is to provide you with the same careful attention and care as soon as possible. You can expect excellent care and service in the GI Labs of NorthShore University HealthSystem.

This procedure is available at all of our GI lab locations. 
To schedule an appointment call the Patient Access Center at 1.888.364.6400.