Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a minimally invasive procedure for examining the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and nearby organs. Read more: https://gastrohealth.com.sg/services/endoscopic-ultrasound/.
This procedure makes use of high-frequency sound waves to produce detailed images of the lining and walls of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract, as well as the surrounding organs like the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. EUS can check for a variety of conditions, including pancreatic cancer, liver tumors, gallstones, and abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract like inflammatory bowel disease or tumors.
You may be recommended an endoscopic ultrasound if you have unexplained abdominal pain, abnormal liver tests or pancreatic cysts. The other instances that may prompt the need for an endoscopic ultrasound are if further evaluation is needed after other imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs.
On this page, we clarify what to expect during your endoscopic ultrasound. And most importantly, we answer the frequently, asked question; is endoscopy ultrasound painful? Keep reading!
What Happens During an Endoscopic Ultrasound?
If you’re recommended an endoscopic ultrasound, you will want to understand what to expect, before, during and even after the procedure. To help you with that, we created this quick list which summarizes what happens during EUS. Here are six things to expect;
· Preparation Steps
In a good endoscopy clinic, you should expect your healthcare team to thoroughly explain the preparation process for your endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Depending on the area being examined, you may need to take a laxative or undergo an enema before the procedure.
Also, fasting for a minimum of eight hours prior to your appointment is typically necessary. It is very important that you understand and adhere to these preparation steps to ensure the success of the procedure and significantly minimize the risks for potential complications.
· Safety and Risks
First, we want to clarify that EUS is generally considered safe. However, it is still important that you are fully aware of potential risks.
A good endoscopist will discuss these risks with you before the procedure. You will want to be informed about these potential complications to make well-informed decisions regarding your health.
· Duration of the Procedure
The EUS procedure itself is usually brief. Typically the procedure does take less than an hour, even if a biopsy is performed during the examination.
A good provider will inform you about the expected duration to help you mentally prepare for the procedure. This will also be necessary for making any necessary arrangements for your schedule on the day of the procedure.
· Outpatient Procedure
EUS is commonly performed as an outpatient procedure. This means that you can expect to return home the same day.
Here’s the twist, due to the sedation administered during the procedure, you may not be able to get on with your normal activities right away. In fact, it is even imperative to arrange for transportation home as you will not be in a stable condition to drive yourself.
· Sedation during the Procedure
To ensure your comfort and relaxation during the EUS, sedation will be administered. This sedation will induce drowsiness.
The aim of the sedation part is to ensure that you’re able to remain calm and comfortable throughout the procedure. Please note that you may not remember much of the procedure afterwards due to the effects of sedation.
· Post-Procedure Care
Following the EUS, your medical care team will provide detailed instructions for post-procedure care. This may include guidelines on resuming eating and drinking.
It will also include guidelines on any restrictions or activities to avoid during the recovery period. Please, adhere to these instructions diligently to promote proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.
Is Endoscopy Ultrasound Painful?
The process of endoscopic ultrasound can seem a little daunting which best explains why so many people frequently ask; is endoscopy ultrasound painful? Below is an easy and direct answer;
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) typically isn’t painful. During the procedure, you will be given IV sedatives and a numbing spray before the procedure for upper EUS. A plastic mouthguard is also used to protect your teeth, and the endoscope is inserted through your mouth, esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
The Lower EUS involves inserting the endoscope through your anus into your colon. For this too, you will be given IV sedatives which means that you shouldn’t feel pain with lower endoscopic ultrasound as well.
Now, the fact that you shouldn’t experience any pain during an endoscopic ultrasound doesn’t make these procedures entirely, safe. That said, there are a few risks, your provider may want you to acknowledge including;
- Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding, especially if a biopsy is taken during the procedure. While this is rare, it can occur, particularly in patients with underlying bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications. The risk is higher with certain conditions, such as large varices or tumors.
- Infection: Although rare, there is a small risk of infection following EUS. This risk can be minimized by ensuring proper sterilization of equipment and following strict hygiene protocols during the procedure.
- Tearing (perforation) of an organ wall: During EUS, there is a slight risk of accidentally puncturing the wall of a nearby organ, like the stomach or intestine, for example. This risk is low but increases if there are adhesions or other anatomical abnormalities.
- Pancreatitis: If fine-needle aspiration is performed on the pancreas, there is a risk of developing pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. This risk is also low but higher in certain situations, such as when multiple passes are made or when the pancreas is difficult to access.
Despite these risks, endoscopic ultrasound is generally safe especially, in the hands of skilled providers. A good doctor will discuss these risks with you beforehand and even give guidelines to minimize the risks of complications.
It is very important that you follow these guidelines including instructions for preparing for your endoscopic ultrasound and taking care of yourself after the procedure to minimize your risks of complications. As a general rule, seek a qualified provider and ask questions or seek clarity whenever you encounter concerns you need help addressing.
Wrapping Up
A lot of care is taken to minimize discomfort during endoscopic ultrasounds so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure. And if you feel any pain, please alert your endoscopist immediately.
To learn more about endoscopic ultrasound or schedule an appointment with a fully qualified provider in Singapore, reach out to the team at Gastrohealth Center for Digestive and Liver Care today. See details below;
Gastrohealth Clinic @ Gleneagles – Dr Bhavesh Doshi | Gastroscopy | Colonoscopy | Health Screening | EUS and ERCP Singapore
6A Napier Road,
Annexe Block #05-35C Gleneagles Hospital
Singapore 258500
820 Thomson Road,
#06-07 Mount Alvernia Medical Centre A Singapore 574623
+65 6355 5773
