Why is this procedure done?
An endoscopic ultrasound is a procedure done to look at the linings of the digestive tract, gallbladder, and pancreas. The digestive tract includes the esophagus, stomach, and the small and large intestines. This ultrasound uses sound waves to make pictures of the digestive tract. This test is done to look for: ‚
- Growths
- Gallstones
- Irritation of an area
- Blood clots
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What will the results be?
A special doctor will look at the pictures to see if there is anything wrong. Your doctor will get the results and talk about them with you. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well.
- Follow your doctors orders about eating or drinking before the test. You will be asked to stop eating or drinking a certain number of hours before the test.
- Your doctor may order a process to empty your bowel before the test.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the procedure room, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs if needed.
- The doctor will give you drugs to help you relax and stay pain free.
- The staff will help you lie on your left side. Your doctor will spray a drug in your throat to numb the area.
- You may get oxygen to help you breathe. The staff may place a bite-block in your mouth to keep it open during the procedure.
- The doctor will put a thin tube in your mouth and down your esophagus.
- When the scope is in position, your doctor will look around and take pictures.
- The doctor will slide small surgical tools through the endoscope if taking a sample.
- This procedure may take 30 to 45 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will be moved to a Recovery Room after the procedure. This will give you time to wake up.
- You may feel bloated after the procedure.
- If you had a biopsy, the sample will be sent to the lab for testing. Ask your doctor when you can get the results.
- Your doctor will tell you when you can go home after the procedure.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your throat may feel sore for a few days. You may rinse your mouth and throat out after the procedure. Rinse with mouthwash or salt water.
- Do not drive for 24 hours after the procedure.
- Ask your doctor when you may go back to your normal activities.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- The results may help your doctor find out what is wrong. Together you can make a plan for care.
What problems could happen?
- Injury to the esophagus
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Reaction to the sedation
- Liquid in your lung
Where can I learn more?
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy ‚
http://www.asge.org/patients/patients.aspx?id=380 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚