Endoscopic Ultrasound: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Endoscopic Ultrasound?
A gastroenterologist, a doctor who treats the digestive system, usually performs endoscopic ultrasound. It is a type of imaging test that is used to see organs in and near the digestive tract. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Endoscopic ultrasound is a type of imaging test used to see organs in and near the digestive tract. Ultrasound is a way to see the inside of the body using high-frequency sound waves. This test does it with an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube. The tube is passed either through the mouth or through the rectum and into the digestive tract.
Sound waves are sent out the end of the tube and bounce off the organs. A computer receives these waves and uses them to create a picture. The endoscope has a small ultrasound probe on its tip. This test does not expose you to harmful radiation.
Why a doctor might recommend it
You may have this test for the following reasons.
- To find the cause of belly pain or weight loss.
- To diagnose diseases of the pancreas, bile duct, and gallbladder.
- To look for stones in the bile duct.
- To look at cysts, tumors, and cancers.
- To guide a biopsy of tumors, lymph nodes, and other tissue.
- To drain fluid from a part of the body.
The test can also stage cancers of the esophagus, lung, pancreas, rectum, and stomach. For cancer, it can help show how deep a tumor has grown and whether it may have spread.
How to prepare
Your health care provider will tell you what to do. You will be told when to stop drinking and eating before the test.
- Give your provider a list of all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, herbs, and supplements.
- Your provider will tell you when you can take them, and some may need to be stopped a week before the test.
- Plan for someone to take you home, because you will not be able to drive or return to work on the day of the test.
What happens during it
Before the test, you get medicine through an IV to help you relax. This medicine is called a sedative. You may fall asleep or not remember the test. Some people feel the test is slightly uncomfortable.
If a sample or biopsy is needed, a thin needle can be passed through the tube to collect fluid or tissue. This does not hurt. The test takes 30 to 90 minutes.
Recovery
For the first hour after the test, you may feel sleepy and unable to drink or walk. You may have a sore throat. You may feel bloated, but this feeling will go away. When you are fully awake, you can be taken home. Rest that day. You may have fluids and light meals.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting, coughing up or vomiting blood, or bleeding that will not stop.
Risks and side effects
Any sedation can cause reactions to medicine and problems breathing. Complications from the test include the following.
- Bleeding.
- A tear in the lining of the digestive tract.
- Infection.
- Pancreatitis.
Who performs it
Your doctor may send you to a gastroenterologist to perform this test.
Common questions
How long does endoscopic ultrasound take?
The test takes 30 to 90 minutes to complete.
Does endoscopic ultrasound use radiation?
No, this test does not expose you to harmful radiation. It uses high-frequency sound waves to make pictures.
Can a biopsy be taken during endoscopic ultrasound?
Yes, if a sample or biopsy is needed, a thin needle can be passed through the tube to collect fluid or tissue. This does not hurt.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Endoscopic ultrasound
- American Cancer Society - Upper Endoscopy Procedure (EGD)
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Diagnosis of Pancreatitis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
