Visit Our Gastroenterology Clinic Today!
At Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates, we offer endoscopic ultrasounds to those in Lakewood, CO needing specialized attention for complex tumors. Our skilled team is renowned across the region and has what it takes to deliver the best solutions to get your health back on track. Don’t let your quality of life dwindle due to unmanaged tumor growth. We have state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to perform diagnostics and develop treatment plans that are sure to have you feeling happy and healthy in no time. Learn more about our GI practice and how our endoscopic ultrasound can improve the overall quality of your day-to-day life.
What is an Endoscopic Ultrasound?
An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is used to examine the digestive tract. When you visit us for EUS, we’ll look at any abnormalities taking place within the gastrointestinal tract. An upper endoscope with an ultrasound attached at the tip is used to successfully create an image of the local anatomy of the GI tract to evaluate any issues. EUS is efficient for diagnosing tumors of the pancreas, as well as tumors under the deeper layers of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and rectum.
How is an Endoscopic Ultrasound Performed?
When you need an endoscopic ultrasound, you can rest easy knowing you picked the right team to rely on. We have nearly three decades of experience helping Colorado residents address and overcome complex tumors and other issues. Our skilled professionals perform EUS with the utmost precision and care. During your endoscopic ultrasound, the instrument will be inserted through the mouth and into the duodenum (small intestine). It may also involve an examination of the lower colon. Our physicians may instill water or air to help with visualization. With the superior insight EUS provides, we can accurately access areas of abnormal tissue. These abnormalities will be biopsied, and we will take photos of the areas so they can be carefully studied and reviewed with you. If a biopsy is performed, our physicians will go over this with you and remind you not to take aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for several days afterward.
What’s the Difference Between an Endoscopy and EUS?
Endoscopy is a non-surgical procedure that uses an endoscope to look inside the body and examine the interior of a hollow organ or cavity. EUS is a minimally invasive procedure in which a special endoscope is combined with ultrasound technology to obtain images of the walls of internal organs or adjacent structures. EUS is more involved than traditional endoscopy and lasts longer, typically 30 to 60 minutes.
Preparation for an Endoscopic Ultrasound
When you choose to go through EUS at Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates, our team will ensure you have the support you need from start to finish. Our goal is that each of our patients feels well informed and comfortable in our care before performing any procedure. Though we will go over what you can expect before your procedure, here are some preparation reminders to keep you on track for superior treatment outcomes:
- If you are taking medication, you may need to adjust usage before your EUS procedure. Please bring a list of your medications, and our doctors will let you know which medicine will need to be halted or taken with care for a successful procedure.
- If you have a Pacemaker or Automatic Implanted Cardiac Defibrillator (AICD), make sure you get your information card from your doctor so we can have it on file.
- Be sure to have a designated driver take you to the appointment and drive you home following your procedure.
- Do not consume alcohol the day before or the day of your EUS procedure.
- On the day of your procedure, do not consume any solid foods.
- You may only have clear liquids eight hours or more before your scheduled appointment time.
What to Expect After an Endoscopic Ultrasound?
Following your procedure, you will be monitored by our professionals as the sedation wears off. This typically takes 30 minutes to one hour. You may notice that your abdomen feels a little sore, and you may feel cramping or bloat immediately following your EUS procedure due to the air introduced into your GI tract during the test. In most cases, you can expect to resume a regular diet after the procedure. We will send you home with your designated driver and a procedure report, and we will be sure to send the same report to your physician as well.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
If you’re ready to address tumor growth and other issues that keep you from living your life to the fullest, be sure to contact the seasoned team at Rocky Mountain Gastroenterology Associates today! We’ll get your appointment scheduled so you can see the unique benefits of an endoscopic ultrasound procedure for yourself. We look forward to helping you restore your quality of life through this innovative procedure.
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