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Endoscopic Ultrasound Now Offered at O'Connor Hospital

In June, O’Connor Hospital began offering Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS), a minimally invasive, state-of-the-art alternative to exploratory surgery that is revolutionizing the way cancer is detected. The first procedure was performed June 17 using an Olympus Endoscope Ultrasound processor with a 360-degree video gastroscope. Another 21 EUS procedures were performed over the next three weeks.

Using EUS, physicians can accurately diagnose and stage tumors of the GI tract and pancreas without multiple tests or surgery. “This technique is rapidly becoming the standard of care for the cost-effective, non-surgical assessment of many gastrointestinal and lung diseases,” said O’Connor Hospital’s chief medical officer, George Block, M.D.

“Endoscopic ultrasound involves inserting a long flexible tube down the mouth into the stomach and then high-frequency sound waves produce images of the organs and structures inside the body,” said Dr. Block.  “When combined with fine-needle aspirations, EUS is a minimally invasive alternative that is saving patients from unnecessary surgery and giving doctors a much clearer view inside the body, detecting what other tests miss without surgery.”

O’Connor gastroenterologists David Chui, M.D., Ruel Garcia, M.D., and Eduardo Da Silveira, M.D., have completed an extensive proficiency training program and comprise the panel of physicians qualified to perform this procedure at O’Connor Hospital.

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