Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) Information Sheet
You have been scheduled for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the GI Lab at the University of Illinois Hospital. This procedure is similar to regular endoscopy but a specially equipped endoscope provides detailed ultrasound examination of the GI tract wall and surrounding structures. During EUS, you will be sedated for the duration of the procedure that may last 30-60 minutes. If necessary, an ultrasound-guided needle passed through the scope will obtain tissue samples for further analysis. You should feel no discomfort. Afterwards, you will rest in our recovery area for a few hours until you are fully awake. Because of the sedation, you are not allowed to drive home. Another adult must escort you home.
Getting Ready for EUS
· Do not eat anything after midnight before the test (your stomach must be empty for this procedure).
· If you regularly take blood pressure, heart, or anti-seizure medications in the morning, you should take these medications before 6 AM on the morning of your test with a small sip of water.
· If you are diabetic on insulin or oral diabetes medications, you should not take these medications in the morning before your test. Bring a bag lunch and your medications to the GI lab where you can take these after the test.
· If you take anti-coagulant or anti-platelet (blood-thinning) medications such as Coumadin®, Lovenox®, or Ticlid®, please discuss this with our physicians. Active use of such medications might prevent possible needle biopsy.
· If you have a heart murmur or artificial heart valve requiring pretreatment with antibiotics, please alert our staff.
· If pre-certification for this examination is required by your insurance plan, please contact them or your referring physician for prior approval. You must bring your pre-certification documentation to the GI lab.
· Any relevant x-rays, photographs, or reports of previous procedures from your referring physician should be obtained and brought to the GI Lab.
· Please arrive 30 minutes before your appointment and plan to spend between 2-4 hours in our GI lab for your entire visit, which will include initial interview, EUS examination and recovery from sedation.
Directions
· The University of Illinois Hospital is located just west of downtown Chicago at 1740 W. Taylor Street. The GI lab is located on the 2nd floor of the Hospital and the reception area is in room 2101.
· From I-290 (Eisenhower Expressway) exit at Ashland/Paulina and turn south on Ashland Avenue. Follow Ashland through a series of lights until you come to the light at Taylor Street. Turn right (west) onto Taylor and travel west until you reach the Hospital, at the northeast corner of Taylor and Wood Streets.
· Visitor parking is located ½ block south and the hospital can be easily accessed by walking through the Outpatient Care Center, over two street overpasses, and then into the hospital.
· If you have any questions or need to reschedule your appointment, please call our nurse coordinator, Sandra Bernklau, RN at (312) 413-0223 or (312) 996-3808.