Endoscopic ultrasound – EUS is an imaging ultrasound method, which is applied with endoscopic means. This method enables us to examine in depth the wall of the digestive tract. We can also produce images of various solid organs, such as the liver, the pancreas and the spleen, from a very close distance. Moreover, we can examine the mediastinum, the lymph nodes, the bile vessels and the great intra-abdominal vessels
The main indications of the Endoscopic Ultrasound are the following:
- Study and staging of esophageal, stomach and rectal/anal cancer.
- Differential diagnosis of submucosal tumors of the digestive tract and FNA/ FNB in cases where indicated.
- Study of solid lesions of the pancreatic parenchyma and FNA/FNB.
- Diagnostic and therapeutic drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts and cystic lesions.
- Diagnosis and study of recto-anal abscesses and fistulas to determine surgical treatment.
- EUS-guided biopsies from mediastinal and abdominal lymph nodes to investigate their nature.
- Diagnosis of benign (e.g., microlithiasis) and malignant biliary lesions (such as cholangiocarcinoma) difficult to diagnose by conventional abdominal ultrasound or CT scan.
- Study of Portal Hypertension and diagnosis of incipient esophageal varices, ectopic varices and development of collateral circulation.
- Treatment of chronic pain in patients with malignant diseases (e.g., pancreatic cancer), by celiac neurolysis plexus.
- Intratumoral placement of chemotherapeutic and other agents for the local treatment of malignant tumors.
- Cauterization of neoplasms by local application of radio waves (RF) using special catheters, guided by endoscopic ultrasound.
How is EUS performed?
From the patient’s point of view, the examination does not differ significantly from a simple endoscopy. Medicines are administered which cause relaxation or “conscious sedation”. The examination takes about 30 minutes and is completely painless. The patient does not need to be hospitalized and is free to go home after the examination.
* The machine is operated by Mr. Konstantinos Markoglou, partner of the Henry Dunant 2nd Gastroenterology Clinic.
