Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in Málaga
High-resolution ultrasound from the inside to assess the pancreas, bile ducts and the wall of the digestive tract, with targeted biopsy when needed.
Ultrasound up close
In endoscopic ultrasound a small ultrasound probe sits at the tip of the endoscope. From inside, right next to the stomach or duodenum, it produces highly detailed images of the pancreas, bile ducts and organ wall.
Suspicious findings can be sampled with a fine needle during the same examination. Certain cysts or drainage problems can also be treated under EUS guidance.
When EUS makes sense
- Lesions or cysts of the pancreas
- Suspected bile duct stones
- Unclear findings in the wall of the oesophagus, stomach or bowel
- Assessing the extent of tumours
- Tissue sampling by targeted biopsy
- Unexplained pancreatitis
Step by step
- 1
Preparation
Fasting as for a gastroscopy: 12 hours without solid food, 6 hours without water. Bring CT or MRI images and previous results.
- 2
Examination
With sedation. A biopsy if needed, which you will not feel.
- 3
Afterwards
Discussion of the findings straight away. Biopsy results after a few days.
What patients often ask
How is it different from a normal ultrasound?
A normal ultrasound works through the abdominal wall. With EUS the probe is only millimetres from the organ, so the images are much more detailed, especially of the pancreas.
Is the biopsy dangerous?
Biopsy under EUS guidance is a safe, well-established procedure. Complications are rare and are discussed beforehand.
Do I need a CT or MRI first?
Often imaging already exists; please bring it. Whether further images are needed is clarified in the consultation.