Endoscopy
Diagnosing Gastrointestinal Cancers Without Exploratory
Surgery
Using Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS), a more accurate procedure
to diagnose certain gastrointestinal cancers, The Cancer Center
at Saint Mary's can now detect tumors, take biopsy samples,
provide cancer staging, and in many cases treat conditions
without conventional surgery. We're one of about 150 cancer
centers in the country and the only center in West Michigan
performing EUS.
What is EUS?
Endoscopic Ultrasound, EUS for short, is a procedure that
combines the technology of a standard upper GI endoscopy with
that of ultrasound imaging. A flexible, lighted endoscope
with a small ultrasound probe at its tip is used. This instrument
provides both a visual examination of the lining of
the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract and a sound wave
examination of the wall of the GI tract. Furthermore, sound
wave images can be obtained of surrounding organs, blood vessels,
and lymph nodes. EUS is therefore a valuable and versatile
procedure that provides significant information to assist
diagnosis and management of a variety of gastrointestinal
disorders.
What types of cancers is EUS used for?
With this outpatient procedure, we can diagnose and determine
the best treatment approach for cancer and tumors of the esophagus,
stomach, liver, pancreas, certain lymph nodes, bile ducts,
lungs, and other organs.
How does EUS work?
The flexible EUS scope is a remarkable piece of equipment
that can be directed and moved around the many bends in the
gastrointestinal tract. These video endoscopes have a tiny,
optically sensitive computer chip at the end. Electronic signals
are then transmitted up the scope to the computer, which then
displays the image on a large video screen. An open channel
in these scopes allows other instruments to be passed through
in order to take tissue samples. The rotating probe at the
tip of the endoscope provides real-time ultrasound images.
Because the probe is inside the body, higher frequency, more
detailed sound wave images of the gastrointestinal wall and
nearby organs such as the pancreas are possible.
What can I expect during an EUS procedure?
You can expect compassionate care in the hands of a dedicated,
competent physician, specially trained at The Cleveland Clinic
in Endoscopic Ultrasound.
Endoscopic ultrasound is usually performed on an outpatient
basis. Patients are mildly sedated. The endoscope is then
gently inserted down through the throat into the upper esophagus.
The patient can breath easily throughout the exam. Other instruments
can be passed through the endoscope to perform additional
procedures if necessary. The exam takes from 30 - 45 minutes,
after which the patient is taken to the recovery area. There
is no pain with this procedure and patients seldom remember
much about it.
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