Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

Our gastroenterologist teams want faster, more comprehensive care for our community.

 

EUS To assist in this goal the WRH Foundation is raising funds to support the purpose of an EUS machine. This will allow us to offer Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) as a modality to Erie St. Clair LHIN residents, which combines a high frequency, ultrasound probe with an endoscope to examine the wall of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and beyond. This is now considered an integral part of the management of a variety of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.

EUS was first introduced approximately 30 years ago and has revolutionized the detection and treatment approach to lesions inside and outside the GI tract. Since then EUS, guided fine needle aspiration has further increased the accuracy in diagnosis and staging of malignancies.

Currently, Erie St. Clair LHIN residents are referred to London Health Sciences for EUS procedures that typically take 30 min, and can be performed in the Endoscopy Department under (nurse administered) conscious sedation.

ADVANTAGES

  • Apart from conventional ultrasound, EUS is one of the least expensive modalities to access both malignant and benign diseases. Patients do not need to have major surgery for tissue biopsy.
  • The most sensitive and accurate method in staging GI cancers. Many are identified in early stages that help to reduce more invasive procedures.
  • EUS is very effective in determining how deep a lesion has penetrated the GI Wall.
  • EUS provides the user with minimally invasive access to perform therapy within and from the GI tract.

INDICATIONS FOR ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND (EUS)

Tumours Staging & Diagnosis:

  • Esophageal tumours
  • Thickened gastric folds/gastric tumours
  • Sub-mucosal tumours
  • Pancreatic/Ampullary/Neuroendocrine tumours
  • Rectal tumours

Diagnostic:

  • Stage esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, and colo-rectal Cancer
  • Mediastinal & abdominal lymph node assessment for lung Cancer
  • Evaluation of benign, potentially pre-cancerous, GI disease i.e. Barrett's, chronic pancreatitis, sub-mucosal tumours, & eosinophilic esophagitis
  • Confirm diagnosis via EUS-guided FNA

Benign Conditions:

  • Chronic pancreatitis
  • Common Bile Duct (CBD) stones
  • Pancreatic Duct (PD) stones

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Gisele Seguin
Director, Philanthropy
Email: Gisele.Seguin@wrh.on.ca
Phone: 519-987-3160