Endoscopic Ultrasound Specialist

Advanced GI LLC

Gastroenterology located in Chicago, IL

Endoscopic ultrasound is a minimally invasive test to diagnose the cause of abdominal or chest pain or assess disease in those areas. At Advanced GI LLC, skilled gastroenterologists Michael Flicker, MD, and Carl Atallah, DO, perform endoscopic ultrasounds to expertly evaluate your digestive system and chest areas painlessly on an outpatient basis. They also offer the most advanced evidence-based solutions for all types of GI problems. Call the office in the Lake View area of Chicago, Illinois, or book your appointment online.

Endoscopic Ultrasound Q&A

What is an endoscopic ultrasound?

Endoscopic ultrasound is a test that uses high-frequency sound waves to generate pictures of organs and tissues in your chest and abdomen. The gastroenterologists at Advanced GI LLC use endoscopic ultrasound to diagnose and assess diseases and problems such as:

Abdominal pain
Chest pain
Barrett's esophagus
Bile duct stones
Pancreatitis
Pancreatic cysts
Sarcoidosis
Neuroendocrine tumors

Endoscopic ultrasound can also help diagnose and evaluate many types of cancers, including those affecting the pancreas, lymphatic system, esophagus, lungs, and rectum.

Your gastroenterologist can use endoscopic ultrasound to determine your cancer stage, which means measuring tumor size and determining exactly where the cancer appears.

How does endoscopic ultrasound work?

First, you receive light sedation and, if needed, a throat-numbing spray. Your doctor connects equipment, including a blood pressure cuff, oxygen sensor, and EKG, to monitor your vital signs during the procedure.

Your Advanced GI LLC gastroenterologist then inserts an endoscope down your throat and into your digestive tract, or through your rectum and up into your intestines for a rectal ultrasound.

The endoscope contains a tiny transducer, an ultrasound device that sends out sound waves. The sound waves come together to make a highly detailed picture of everything in the immediate area.

Depending on your needs, your gastroenterologist may also perform a fine-needle aspiration. This test involves taking small samples of fluid, tissue, or both for laboratory testing.

After your doctor withdraws the endoscope, you’ll move to a recovery room where your doctor continues monitoring your vital signs. It usually takes around 20-60 minutes until you’re alert. Your gastroenterologist discusses the test results with you; then, you can return home.

How do I prepare for an endoscopic ultrasound?

Your Advanced GI LLC gastroenterologist gives you specific directions before your endoscopic ultrasound. These usually include:

Fasting for a minimum of six hours
Following a liquid diet
Using a laxative or enema
Temporarily discontinuing blood thinners

Because you’ll receive sedation before the endoscopic ultrasound, you can’t drive. Ask a friend or loved one to take you home.

What happens after endoscopic ultrasound?

After your endoscopic ultrasound, rest at home until the next day. In most cases, you can get back to your routine the next day. If you had a fine-needle aspiration, you might return soon to Advanced GI LLC to discuss biopsy results.

In the hands of the compassionate gastroenterology team at Advanced GI LLC, you’ll get a comfortable, fast test with quick results. Book an appointment online or by phone today.

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