Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) Center in Houston

Symptoms That May Require an Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

EUS is recommended for patients experiencing various gastrointestinal symptoms, including:

• Persistent abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chronic pancreatitis or suspected pancreatic tumors
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Unexplained gastrointestinal bleeding
• Suspected bile duct disorders

Causes and Risk Factors for Conditions Diagnosed with EUS

EUS helps diagnose conditions caused by various factors, including:

• Pancreatic disorders (cysts, tumors, or chronic pancreatitis)
• Gallbladder and bile duct abnormalities (gallstones, blockages, or tumors)
• Esophageal, stomach, and colorectal cancers
• Gastrointestinal infections or inflammation
• Hernias and structural abnormalities of the digestive tract
• Lymph node abnormalities (used in staging cancers)

Risk Factors

Certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing conditions requiring EUS, such as:

• A family history of pancreatic, stomach, or esophageal cancer
• Chronic acid reflux (GERD), which can lead to Barrett’s esophagus
• Gallstone disease leading to bile duct obstruction
• Excessive alcohol consumption affecting pancreatic and liver health
• Smoking, increasing the risk of digestive cancers

Diagnosis: How Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) Works

EUS combines endoscopy with high-frequency ultrasound to obtain detailed images of internal structures in the digestive system.

Procedure Overview:

1. A thin, flexible endoscope with an ultrasound probe is inserted through the mouth or rectum, depending on the area being examined.
2. The ultrasound waves create high-resolution images of the digestive tract, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and lymph nodes.
3. If necessary, a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy may be performed during EUS to collect tissue samples for further evaluation.
4. The procedure is minimally invasive and typically performed under sedation to ensure comfort.

EUS provides superior imaging compared to traditional CT scans or MRI, making it invaluable for early disease detection and staging.

Treatment and Management Using Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

EUS is not just a diagnostic tool—it also plays a role in minimally invasive treatments, including:

• Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy – Collecting tissue samples to diagnose cancers and other conditions.
• Cyst Drainage – Managing pancreatic and other gastrointestinal cysts with precise drainage techniques.
• Tumor Staging – Determining the extent of cancers for personalized treatment plans.
• Guided Pain Management – EUS-guided nerve blocks to relieve chronic abdominal pain, especially in pancreatitis.
• Biliary Drainage – Assisting with the treatment of bile duct obstructions.

Regular follow-up care ensures long-term management and monitoring of digestive conditions diagnosed through EUS.

Why Choose Curative Digestive Disease Center for EUS?

At Curative Digestive Disease Center, we provide state-of-the-art technology and expert care for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Here’s why patients trust us:

✅ Advanced Technology – Our facility is equipped with cutting-edge endoscopic and ultrasound imaging systems for superior diagnostic precision.

✅ Minimally Invasive Approach – We offer EUS-guided treatments, reducing the need for more invasive procedures and improving recovery times.

✅ Comprehensive Care Team – Our experienced providers and specialists collaborate to develop personalized care plans.

✅ In-House Pathology Services – We ensure rapid and accurate diagnosis with our on-site pathology team for timely treatment planning.

✅ Compassionate and Patient-Centered Care – From diagnosis to treatment, we prioritize comfort, clarity, and long-term well-being.