Endoscopic Ultrasound

Endoscopic ultrasound allows Dr. Desmond to examine your oesophageal and stomach linings as well as the walls of your upper and lower gastrointestinal tract.

Dr Desmond is a highly trained endoscopist. To perform the EUS he uses a thin, flexible tube that has a built-in miniature ultrasound probe. Following sedation the endoscope is passed through your mouth to the area to be examined. The ultrasound uses sound waves to create visual images of the digestive tract. The procedure takes between 30-60 minutes. The endoscope does not interfere with your ability to breathe.

An EUS procedure provides more information than other imaging tests. This is achieved by providing detailed images of your digestive tract. This will help to diagnose certain conditions that may cause abdominal pain or abnormal weight loss.

EUS is also used to evaluate known abnormalities, including lumps or lesions which have been detected at a previous endoscopy, on x-rays, or CT scan. EUS provides a detailed image of the lump or lesion, which then helps to determine its origin and help with treatment decisions. EUS is used to diagnose disease of the pancreas, bile duct and gallbladder when other tests may be inconclusive or conflicting.

EUS also assists with determining the extent of spread or certain cancers of the respiratory and digestive systems. The EUS allows Dr Desmond to accurately assess the cancer's depth and whether it has spread to adjacent lymph glands or other nearby vital structures, such as major blood vessels. ln some patients, EUS can be used to obtain a needle biopsy of a lump or lesion to help with determining the proper treatment.

Although complications can occur, they are rare. Bleeding may occur at the site of a biopsy, but it is usually minimal and rarely requires any follow-up. You may have a slight sore throat for 24- 48 hours. Non-prescription anaesthetic type lozenges may help.

Other potential but uncommon risks of EUS include a reaction to the sedatives used, aspiration of stomach contents into your lungs, or infection. One major complication can be perforation. This a tear through the lining of the intestine that may require surgery to repair.

The possibility of complications increases slightly if a needle biopsy is performed, including an increased risk of pancreatitis or infection. These risk should be balanced against the potential benefits of the procedure and the risks of alternative approaches to the condition.

Fasting Information:

AFTERNOON:

Dr Desmond usually performs EUS procedures at Cabrini Malvern, in addition to Monash Medical Centre/Jessie McPherson Private Hospital in Clayton. These are done only on Wednesday afternoons. On the morning of your procedure you may have tea and toast ONLY prior to 8am. After 8am you must not eat or drink. This includes lollies and chewing gum. You will be asked to present to the Admissions Desk of the hospital at 12.00 midday.

MORNING:

Dr Desmond also undertakes EUS procedures at Cabrini Malvern on a Thursday morning. You must fast from 12 midnight (this includes all food, drink and lollies) on the evening prior to your procedure. You may take necessary blood pressure, asthma and heart medication with a sip of water ONLY. Please present to the Admissions Desk at the time that has been allocated to you.

Medications:

If you have an allergy to latex you should inform Dr. Desmond's rooms prior to the procedure. You can take most medications as usual until the day of the EUS procedure. lf you take anticoagulant medications (blood thinners such as Warfarin, Heparin, Xeralto or Clopidogrel) they may need to be adjusted prior to the procedure. lf you are diabetic, you must advise Dr Desmond's rooms prior to the procedure. You will need to discuss with your regular doctor how to adjust your insulin/diabetic medication dosages.

Admission:

Please present to the admissions desk of Monash Medical Centre/Jessie McPherson Hospital at 12.00 midday on the Wednesday of your appointment, for admission under Dr Chris Desmond.

If you have any questions regarding your admission, please DO NOT telephone Monash Medical Centre. All questions should be directed to the staff at Dr Desmond’s private rooms on 9885 8100.

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