While meteorologists use Doppler radar (ultrasound) to bounce sound waves off objects like raindrops to predict weather patterns, doctors use ultrasound to bounce sound waves off organs inside the body to diagnose disease. Gastroenterologists use a special type of ultrasound called endoscopic ultrasound to diagnose and treat diseases and tumors inside the gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopic ultrasound features an ultrasound transducer placed at the tip of an endoscope, a thin flexible tube that can then be inserted in the upper or lower digestive tract.

“The latest version of endoscopic ultrasound allows gastroenterologists to see both detailed linear (straight ahead) and radial (all around) views of the inside of the esophagus, stomach, first part of the small intestine, rectum and sigmoid, as well as organs such the pancreas and gall bladder,” said Dr. Ayaz Chaudhary, a gastroenterologist at MCG Health System. Detailed views can actually penetrate the four layers of tissue walls to discover and stage tumors hidden inside those layers, as well as diagnose diseases such as pancreatitis and gallstones.

“The same technology can then be used to treat disease,” added Dr. Chaudhary. Tumors can be biopsied or removed, nerve blocks can be administered to control the pain of pancreatitis, and lymph nodes can be sampled, among other therapies.

“Older versions of this technology were limited in the scope and detail of what they could see and treat,” explained Dr. Chaudhary. “This new technology benefits patients experiencing abdominal pain by providing rapid, detailed diagnosis and treatment of their disease.”

Patients are treated under sedation during the hour-long procedure and go home the same day. Special training is required for gastroenterologists to offer endoscopic ultrasound therapy.

 
Dr. Ayaz Chaudhary

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