If you have diabetes, ask your regular doctor for diet and medication restrictions.
If you take a medication to thin your blood and have not already discussed this with our office, please call us at 612-871-1145.
If you are or may be pregnant, please discuss the risks and benefits of this procedure with your doctor.
You must arrange for a ride for the day of your exam. If you fail to arrange transportation with a responsible adult, your procedure will need to be cancelled and rescheduled.
If you must cancel or reschedule your appointment, please call 612-871-1145 as soon as possible.

PREPARATION

To ensure a successful exam, please follow all instructions carefully. Failure to accurately and completely prepare for your exam may result in the need for an additional procedure and both procedures will be billed to your insurance.

FOR EUS OF THE UPPER GI TRACT

The night before your exam:

• Stop eating solid foods at 11:45pm.
• Clear liquids are okay to drink (examples: water, Gatorade, clear broth and apple juice).
• Do not drink red liquids or alcoholic beverages.

The day of your exam:

• Stop drinking clear liquids 6 hours before your exam.
• You may take your usual medications with 4 oz. of water at least 2 hours prior to your procedure.

When you leave for the procedure:

• Bring a list of all of your current medications, including any allergy or over-the-counter medications.
• Bring a photo ID as well as up-to-date insurance information, such as your insurance card and any referral forms that might be required by your payer.
• Co-pays are required on the day of your appointment.

FOR EUS OF THE LOWER GI TRACT

Before your exam:
Purchase the following over-the-counter supplies at your local pharmacy:
• 2 Fleet® enemas

The day of your exam:
• There are no dietary restrictions.

1 ½ hours before leaving for your exam:
• Rectally administer the first Fleet® enema.

1 hour before leaving for your exam:
• Rectally administer the second Fleet® enema.

When you leave for your exam:

• Bring a list of all of your current medications, including any allergy or over-the-counter medications.
• Bring a photo ID as well as up-to-date insurance information, such as your insurance card and any referral forms that might be required by your payer.
• Co-pays are required on the day of your appointment.

DESCRIPTION OF ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND

What is endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)?

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) allows your doctor to examine the lining and the walls of your upper or lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The upper tract is the esophagus, stomach and duodenum; the lower tract includes your colon and rectum. EUS is also used to study internal organs that lie next to the gastrointestinal tract, such as the gall bladder and pancreas.

Your doctor will use a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope that he or she will pass through your mouth or anus to the area to be examined. Your doctor then will turn on the ultrasound component to produce sound waves that create visual images of the digestive tract.

EUS provides detailed pictures of your digestive tract anatomy. EUS may be used to diagnose the cause of conditions such as abdominal pain or abnormal weight loss. EUS is also used to evaluate an abnormality, such as a growth, that was detected at a prior endoscopy or by x-ray. In addition, EUS can be used to diagnose diseases of the pancreas, bile duct and gallbladder when other tests are inconclusive.

What can I expect during EUS?

EUS of the Upper GI Tract

For EUS of the upper GI tract, you will be given medication at the beginning of the exam to help you relax and minimize discomfort or gagging. This medication will make you drowsy.

The doctor will insert an endoscope into your mouth and will advance it slowly through the esophagus, stomach and duodenum (the first part of your small intestine). The actual examination generally takes between 30 -60 minutes. Most patients consider it only slightly uncomfortable and may fall asleep during it. If abnormal tissue is found, the doctor may remove it through the endoscope for closer examination or biopsy.

EUS of the Lower GI Tract

EUS examination of the lower GI tract can often be performed safely and comfortably without medications, but you will probably receive a sedative if the examination will be prolonged or if the doctor will examine a significant distance into the colon.

You will start by lying on your left side and your doctor will inert an endoscope into the rectum and lower portion of the colon. Most EUS examinations of the lower GI tract last about 30 minutes. If abnormal tissue is found, the doctor may remove it through the endoscope for closer examination or biopsy.

What are the possible complications of EUS?

Although serious complications from EUS are rare, any medical procedure has the potential for risks. There is a slight risk of infection if fluid is removed from any cysts and antibiotics may be given as a preventative measure. Other risks include:

• Perforation, or a tear, of the lining of the stomach, esophagus, colon or rectum
• Bleeding from the biopsy site, if any tissue was removed
• Reaction to medications used for the procedure

A nurse will review all potential warning signs with you before you leave the endoscopy center. The risk of complications slightly increases if a deep needle aspiration is performed during the EUS examination. There is also a small risk of infection if fluid is removed from any cysts, and antibiotics may be given to prevent this. These risks must be balanced against the potential benefits of the procedure and the risks of alternative approaches to the condition.