Upper endoscopic ultrasound
This examination involves inserting a long, thin, flexible tube called an endoscope into the mouth and using the ultrasound probe at the tip of the tube to examine the lining of the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum.
It also examines surrounding organs, such as:
- lymph nodes
- pancreas
- liver
- bile ducts
It can also detect:
- gallstones
- cysts
- bile duct cancer
- pancreatic cancer
Lower endoscopic ultrasound
This technique offers a less invasive option for taking a small sample of tissue (biopsy) from the gastrointestinal tract or surrounding organs, such as the pancreas, liver and lymph nodes. It can also be used for bile duct drainage, if an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedure has not been successful, and for fluid collections that can be accessed from the gastrointestinal tract.