Endoscopic ultrasound combines a regular endoscopic exam with a sonograph and tissue sampling to seek out tumors or other abnormalities in the esophagus, stomach and colon. “This relatively new technology locates irregularities in the upper and lower GI tract, helps stage them, then provides a sample for analysis to help physicians determine a treatment plan,” said Dr. Ayaz Chaudhary, a gastroenterologist at MCG Health System.

Patients having endoscopic ultrasound undergo sedation. The endoscope with an ultrasound tip is inserted. Physicians are able to view not only the GI tract, but also surrounding tissues and organs, including lymph nodes. If warranted, a fine needle is inserted under ultrasound guidance to remove a sample for further testing. Endoscopic ultrasound can also be used to diagnose chronic pancreatitis and bile stones, and to apply therapeutic aid to drain non-cancerous pancreatic pseudocysts. The whole procedure takes between 30 to 45 minutes.

“Endoscopic ultrasound provides a detailed view of the GI tract that no other technology can obtain,” said Dr. Chaudhary. “Cancerous cells can hide between the four layers that make up the wall of the GI tract. Only endoscopic ultrasound can penetrate and separate these layers so physicians can diagnose these tiny tumors.”

Prior to endoscopic ultrasound, patients would often have to undergo major surgery to rule out the existence of tumors in the GI tract.

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MCG Health System is composed of three separate organizations -- MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. The physicians of MCG Health System are community physicians, faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia, and employees of the Physicians Practice Group, not employees of MCG Health Inc. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Medical Center, MCG Children’s Medical Center, the MCG Sports Medicine Center, MCG Ambulatory Care Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by providing an environment for faculty employees of the Medical College of Georgia and the Physicians Practice Group and community physicians to deliver the highest level of primary and specialty health care. For more information, please visit www.MCGHealth.org.