Endoscopic Ultrasound Scan

As with all diagnostic procedures, endoscopy can result in complications, such as reactions to medications or slight abdominal discomfort afterwards. A diagnostic EUS will not carry any more risks than an ordinary endoscopy.

If biopsies are done, there may be a possibility of experiencing some pain after the procedure, but it's rarely severe. If biopsies are taken from the pancreas, there's a small risk of acute pancreatitis (less than 2%), and of bleeding (less than 2%). Specific types of EUS (for example,  involving the insertion of stents or drains) may carry higher risks, and this will be discussed before you have the procedure.

7 days before the examination:

• your endoscopist will need to know about all medications that you take, in particular blood thinners, which may need to be stopped or adjusted up to 1 week before the procedure (in particular if there is a need to take samples at the time of EUS)
• if you take Clopidogrel or other blood thinners, it may be necessary to check with your cardiologist (or other specialist) to be sure that these can be discontinued prior to your EUS
• there is usually no need to stop takingaspirin prior to EUS
• please continue to take any other medication (including laxatives) as usual
• if you're diabetic and take insulin, it's important that you continue taking your insulin, but it's suggested that you reduce your dose on the day and night before the procedure. If you are concerned, then contact your local diabetes nurse for advice. Remember to check your blood sugar every 3 to 4 hours
• if you're taking tablets for your diabetes, please do not take them on the day of the procedure until after the procedure is complete. Please bring your diabetic tablets or insulin to the hospital with you

On the day of the procedure

• to allow a clear view, you should not eat anything or drink any milk for 6 hours before the appointment
• you may drink a small amount of clear fluids up to 2 hours prior to the procedure (your usual prescription medicines can be taken with a sip of water)

Some abdominal discomfort and bloating are common, which usually settle down after a few hours. Your throat may feel numb and slightly sore, and because of the local anaesthetic and sedation, you should not attempt to take anything by mouth for at least 1 hour.

At Welbeck, our gastroenterologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book an endoscopic ultrasound scan, you must be referred by either your GP or a gastroenterologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a gastroenterologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible. 

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Can an EUS be used to check areas other than the digestive system?

Yes. While an endoscopic ultrasound is most often used to look at the digestive tract, it can also help examine nearby structures such as blood vessels, lymph nodes, or nearby organs like the pancreas and lungs.

Will I need someone to come with me on the day of my EUS?

Yes, because sedation is usually given during the procedure, you won’t be able to drive yourself home. We recommend arranging for a friend or family member to accompany you, or to collect you afterwards.

Can EUS be used to guide treatment as well as diagnosis?

In some cases, yes. EUS can be used to help doctors guide fine needle aspiration, drain fluid collections, or deliver certain treatments directly to the affected area, making it both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool.

Are there other tests that could be used instead of an EUS?

Depending on your individual needs, there may be a need for you to have additional imaging tests such as CT scans or standard ultrasound scans. However, an EUS often provides clearer and more detailed images because the camera and ultrasound probe can be manoeuvred closely to the area being examined.