What is an Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)?
An EUS looks at the lining and walls of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It also helps to see the organs next to the gastrointestinal tract like the bile ducts, lymph nodes, and pancreas.
We recommend you have sedation for this procedure. You will need to have someone collect you from the unit and stay with you for at least 6 hours.
How long does an EUS take?
EUS takes around 40 minutes. In some cases this may be longer, but this does not mean anything is wrong. You should expect to be in the department 2-4 hours. Unfortunately, it may not always be possible to run to time. The staff will try to keep you informed.
Why do I need to have an EUS?
To help your doctor find the cause of your symptoms, look at a lesion, to see if you have dilated bile ducts, or if you have any other abnormalities.
During this test the endoscopist may take a biopsy (small sample of tissue) for testing. The sample is removed through the endoscope using tiny forceps and does not hurt. They may also insert a stent (plastic or metal tube) to drain and collect fluid. Any samples will be sent to the laboratory for analysis.
What are the benefits to this procedure?
To help diagnose and/or treat your condition. It may also help your doctor decide if any further investigations are required.
What if I do not have the EUS or change my mind?
It may be difficult to diagnose your condition or offer suitable treatment. You may find it helpful to discuss the test with your family, friends, and/or GP. If you decide not to go ahead, please let us know.
Can I seek a second opinion?
Yes, please seek advice from your GP or referring consultant.
Is there an alternative to an EUS?
CT and MRI scans can be used to look at your internal organs and gastrointestinal wall. EUS allows us to take samples and clearer images.
What are the risks?
Perforation: (or tear in the gastrointestinal wall) the risk is about 1 in every 15,000. You may need an operation to close the tear if it cannot be done during the EUS.
Bleeding: there is a slight risk of bleeding where we take a sample (biopsy), but this is usually minor and stops on its own.
Pancreatitis: inflammation of the panaceas.
Reaction to medication: sedation may cause a problem with breathing, heart rate, or blood pressure. You will be monitored during the procedure to look out for this. Medication to reverse the sedation is available and we will support you as needed.
Missed diagnoses: there is a very small risk that the EUS misses an abnormality but this is unlikely.
Pain: most people can cope well with this procedure. It is common to experience discomfort for a short time, however, a small number of patients may have some pain.
Failure to complete the procedure: your comfort and safety are our priority, we will stop at any time if we cannot ensure this, or if there is a problem with equipment (this is rarer).
Dental damage: a small risk of damage to any crowned teeth or dental bridge work.
Aspiration: accidentally breathing in gastric (stomach) contents can cause pneumonia. This may need to be treated with antibiotics.
How do I prepare for my EUS?
Your stomach needs to be empty for the examination to be safe.
On the day of your test, you must not eat any food for 6 hours before test. If your appointment is in the morning, please do not eat anything after midnight.
You can continue to drink clear liquids until 2 hours before your appointment time.
Your may be offered a pre-assessment phone call to cover any questions you may have. If not please contact our helpline on 0117 414 5077.
What about my medication?
You should take all your usual medication at the normal times with small sips of water unless you have been advised not to. Some medications need to be stopped or adjusted 1 to 2 weeks before your appointment. Please notify the department as soon as possible if you:
- have diabetes
- take medication to thin your blood/prevent clotting like warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, edoxaban, clopidogrel
- take long term steroids
- take iron tablets
- take weight loss injections
Why have I been asked if I have a pacemaker/internal cardiac defibrillator?
Implanted permanent pacemakers or cardiac defibrillators latest device checks will be reviewed before your appointment. Please notify the department if you have one.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Please bring a list of your medications and allergies, particularly if you have diabetes. Please do not bring large quantities of money or valuables into the hospital as we can not take responsibility for them. You do not need to change for this procedure but should wear loose and comfortable clothing.
What happens when I arrive?
Please speak to the receptionist. They will check your details and may ask you to complete a form with details of your medical history, and contact details of your next of kin and the person collecting you.
We ask your family and friends not to come with you beyond this point. The department can be very busy and space is limited. We will tell them the approximate time that you will be ready. The recovery staff will call them with a time they can collect you.
The nurse will take you to an admission room to complete the paperwork, check your blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen levels to make sure you are well enough to have the procedure. If you have diabetes the nurse may also test your blood glucose level.
A cannula (flexible needle) will be inserted into a vein in the back of your hand or arm so that the intravenous sedation can be given. You will be asked to sign the consent form. You will be able to ask questions at this point.
Will I have sedation?
The sedation will make you drowsy but not unconscious. You will still hear what is being said to you. It is not a general anaesthetic. You will need to arrange for someone to collect you from the unit and stay with you for at least 6 hours.
Your reaction times will be slower and your judgement affected so you will not be able to drive, operate heavy machinery, sign any legally binding documents, or look after small children or vulnerable adults for 24 hours.
Can my relative/friend stay with me?
There is limited space within the department so unfortunately this is not possible. We will advise them of an approximate time for you to be collected.
Will I be in a mixed ward?
There are separate male/female waiting and recovery areas.
Who will be in the procedure room with me?
- A nurse who will monitor and support you.
- The endoscopist who will do the procedure.
- Another nurse who will assist the endoscopist.
The procedure will be done by a qualified consultant. In some cases, another doctor who is doing further training may also be there. They will be learning to perform endoscopy under direct, expert supervision.
If you would prefer not to have your EUS done by someone training, you can tell us before coming into the procedure room.
Student nurses may also be there and be supervised by the training nursing staff.
What can I expect during the EUS examination?
When you enter the room, you will be introduced to the team. A checklist will be completed and you will be asked to confirm your details. This is standard procedure to ensure your safety.
You will be made comfortable on a trolley and any monitoring equipment attached. The nurse looking after you will be at your head throughout.
Your throat will be sprayed with local anaesthetic and the sedation this will be given through the cannula in the back of your hand or arm. Once you are relaxed the procedure will begin.
The endoscope is passed through your mouth and through your oesophagus into your stomach. Ultrasound images are viewed, biopsies may be taken.
What happens after the examination?
You will be taken into the recovery area for monitoring. When you have recovered from the initial effects of the sedation the staff will contact your relative/friend to tell them when you will be ready to go home.
You will be given written discharge advice and your cannula will be removed. You will be offered refreshments.
When do I find out the results?
Before you leave the department the results of will be explained to you together with any further tests that may be required.
Biopsies usually take at least 4 weeks to be processed, sometimes longer. You will be told the results by letter or at an outpatient appointment.
What should I do when I get home?
Rest quietly for the rest of the day. You will be able to return to normal activities after 24 hours.
You will be given detailed discharge advice before you leave the unit.
What if I feel unwell or have any concerns after I have been discharged?
If you have any of the following please contact your GP, NHS 111, or go to the Emergency Department and take your results with you:
- a fever
- pain in the chest
- severe abdominal (tummy) pain or bloating
- vomiting blood
A copy of your results is sent to your GP. You will also be given a copy in case you need to seek medical advice before your GP receives their copy.
If you have any concerns about your test please contact the helpline. Leave your name, number and a short message: 0117 414 5077.
Date published: 24 March 2026 Review due: 31 March 2029 PI number: BFT003243