EUS is a specialised fibre-optic video camera test with an ultrasound probe at its tip. This investigation allows examination of the pancreas, gallbladder and bile duct by close contact ultrasound and is more sensitive and specific than both a Computerised Tomography Scan (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This test is very specialised and also enables a biopsy of the pancreas to be taken using a very fine needle.
The procedure is undertaken using sedation as for an ERCP, is very specialised and performed by a gastroenterologist.
It can be used to diagnose and investigate for
1) Bile duct stones
2) Bile duct narrowing or stricutres
3) Oesphageal (food pipe) strictures or tumours/ growths
4) Pancreas cysts and small lesions (with biopsy)