Endoscopic Ultrasound
What Is Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)?
An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a procedure used to get high-quality images of the tissue, organs or problems in and around the digestive tract. For problems in or near the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the doctor inserts a long, thin tube called an endoscope through the child’s mouth and down into or near the problem area. For problems in the lower GI tract, the tube may be inserted through the rectum.
A tiny device called an ultrasound uses sound waves to make pictures of the inside of the body. These images show clear details of these organs and tissues that can’t be seen from outside of the body. EUS can help find swelling (inflammation), infections, cysts, stones, tumors and other problems in the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver and intestines. It can also help find problems in nearby areas (on the outside of the stomach, for example) that a regular endoscope camera wouldn’t be able to see.
Why Might My Child Need an Endoscopic Ultrasound?
EUS lets the doctor see parts of the body that are not clear on other tests. It may be done to help diagnose certain problems with the GI tract, such as chronic pancreatitis or gallstones.
EUS can help show doctors the exact location of a stone, tumor or fluid-filled cyst. While the endoscope is in, the doctor may also use it to treat these problems. The doctor can insert tiny tools (such as a aspiration or biopsy needles and stents) through the tube to remove the stone, take a sample of tissue or drain the cyst. Your child’s doctor will let you know if EUS may be helpful for your child.
How Is an Endoscopic Ultrasound Done?
Before the procedure, your child will have to avoid food and drink for a few hours. The care team will give your child medicine to go to sleep before the EUS begins. This keeps children comfortable. Your child’s heart and oxygen levels will be monitored for the entire procedure by a skilled pediatric anesthesiologist. This is a doctor who specializes in giving anesthesia.
EUS involves passing a tube (called an echoendoscope) into the body through your child’s mouth (or rectum). Once it is in the right location, the images will show up on a screen in the procedure area. Depending on what the doctors see, they may decide to treat the problem or take a tissue sample. EUS can be as fast as 10 minutes. If your child receives treatment during the EUS, it may take a little longer.
Your child will wake up soon after the EUS is over. If no treatment was given, your child should be able to go home after a few hours. If your child received treatment, he or she may need to stay overnight. In most cases, it is safe to eat and drink again right away.
The care team will discuss the findings and any treatments with you. If your child has a new diagnosis or if more treatment is necessary, they will explain it to you before you go home from the hospital. If they took a tissue sample, you may need to wait several days for test results. Your child may need a follow-up visit or test to monitor their condition, get more information, or continue treatment.
Endoscopic Ultrasound at Nationwide Children’s
EUS is a test only offered at a handful of pediatric hospitals in the country. Nationwide Children’s offers a full range of therapies for children with pancreas, liver and gastrointestinal conditions.
Muhammad Khan, MD, MPH, FASGE, is a pediatric gastroenterologist and director of interventional and diagnostic endoscopy at Nationwide Children’s. Dr. Khan is trained and experienced in performing complex endoscopic procedures like per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in children.
Dr. Khan received additional training in interventional endoscopy to treat more children using less invasive strategies. His surgical skills include POEM, endoscopic ultrasound, pancreaticobiliary endoscopy and complex polyp resections. He is the only pediatric gastroenterologist in the United States performing all these interventional endoscopy procedures in pediatric patients.
Our team, combined with our state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, allow us to provide the highest level of care for our patients, ensuring that they receive the best possible outcomes from their procedure. We are committed to working closely with our patients to develop personalized treatment plans that meet their unique needs and help them achieve the best possible results.
Dr. Khan and the Pancreas and Liver Care Center team will evaluate your child and work with your family to design a care plan that offers your child the best chance at healing, comfort and good quality of life. Our team will be happy to answer any questions or schedule an appointment.
