What is Endoscopic ultrasound?
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a minimally invasive procedure to assess the digestive (gastrointestinal) tract, especially the mucosal lining.
The procedure employs a modified endoscope that uses high-frequency sound waves. This enables a more detailed view of the lining of the digestive tract.
Structures near the lining of the tract which include the pancreas, gallbladder, and liver can also be studied using this procedure.
What is Fine-needle aspiration (FNA)?
Fine-needle aspiration(FNA) is a procedure in which tissue/cells are extracted from suspected masses or lymph nodes for evaluation under a microscope.
Under EUS, real-time visualized aspiration of tissue is achieved from different parts of the upper gastrointestinal tract
Common Indications of EUS-FNA
- 1. Masses or tumors
- 2. Deep-seated lymphadenopathy
Steps in EUS-FNA –
- 1. Real-time localization of masses or lesions
- 2. FNA needle inserted through the endoscope
- 3. Aspiration of cells/tissue
- 4. Mounting of sample on slides
- 5. Sample sent for histopathological examination