Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a specialized procedure that combines endoscopy and ultrasound to precisely examine the digestive tract and certain nearby organs, such as the pancreas, bile ducts, and lymph nodes.

EUS is recommended when imaging tests (CT scan, MRI, ultrasound) reveal an abnormality that requires further investigation, particularly for:

• Evaluation of a digestive tract lesion (esophagus, stomach, rectum), especially for tumor staging.
• Suspicious masses in the pancreas, bile ducts, or adrenal glands.
• Pancreatic cysts that require specialized monitoring.
• Abnormal lymph nodes (adenopathies), which may need biopsy.

In addition to diagnosis, endoscopic ultrasound allows for minimally invasive treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA), for certain types of tumors.

This procedure is always performed under medical prescription.

At the Endoscopy Clinic, we provide specialized care for patients requiring diagnostic or therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound.

Depending on the indication, several procedures may be performed, including:

• Targeted biopsies (EUS-FNA/B) to analyze digestive, pancreatic, biliary, or lymph node lesions in detail.
• Radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA), a minimally invasive technique that serves as an alternative and/or complement to treatment for certain tumors. This innovative procedure destroys tumors in situ using thermo-ablation with echo-guided needles connected to a generator (radiofrequency principle). It primarily targets well-selected pancreatic tumors after radiological and pathological evaluation. Initially, we focus on neuroendocrine tumors, cystic tumors, and selected metastases (kidney, breast, and skin cancers). Later, it may be applied to unresectable tumors accessible via EUS.

Multidisciplinary management is essential in digestive tract and adjacent organ diseases, particularly pancreatic tumors. At Erasme Hospital, cases are reviewed in multidisciplinary meetings with gastroenterologists, radiologists, oncologists, and surgeons to ensure the best therapeutic strategy for each patient.

Furthermore, implementing EUS-RFA aims to expand therapeutic options and strengthen our expertise and visibility within the hospital network and the future ULB Cancer Center.

If your doctor has recommended an EUS, it is usually because an imaging test revealed an abnormality requiring a more detailed evaluation.

If this procedure has been prescribed, it is important to carefully follow the instructions provided before the exam.

You can contact the H.U.B Endoscopy Clinic by phone at +32 (0)2.555.35.04 or by email via the link below.

Erasmus Hospital is a reference center for EUS, incorporating the latest innovations in diagnostics and minimally invasive treatments.

We participate in international studies on diagnostic and therapeutic EUS to improve the technique’s efficacy and safety.

Thanks to these advances, we provide more precise patient care, reduce the need for more invasive surgical procedures, and enhance treatment effectiveness.