Home > Private Endoscopic Ultrasound
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) is an advanced diagnostic test that combines endoscopy and ultrasound to provide high-resolution images of the digestive tract and surrounding organs. At Harmony Digestive & Liver Wellness Centre, we are proud to be the only private clinic offering this specialist service outside of London. Our private endoscopic ultrasound service is available to patients in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas, performed by Dr Arjun Prakash, a leading private gastroenterologist who introduced EUS at Milton Keynes University Hospital.
EUS involves the use of a thin, flexible endoscope with a miniature ultrasound probe at its tip, which is passed through the mouth into the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The ultrasound component allows detailed imaging of nearby structures, including the pancreas, bile ducts, gallbladder, liver, lymph nodes, and blood vessels.
It is commonly used to investigate:
A clinic consultation will be arranged before the procedure to understand your symptoms, review any previous scans or test results, and ensure EUS is the most appropriate investigation for you.
EUS is performed under generous sedation to ensure your comfort throughout. A local anaesthetic is sprayed into the back of your throat and then a sedative is administered into a vein in your arm to help you relax. The procedure typically takes 30–45 minutes.
If a fine needle biopsy (FNB) is planned during the test, you may be asked to stop certain blood thinning medications in advance. This varies depending on the type of medication: some need to be stopped 72 hours before, others at least 5 days prior. Our team will contact you with clear, personalised instructions to guide you safely through this preparation.
All EUS procedures are day-case, meaning you’ll be able to go home the same day, but you must be accompanied by a responsible adult due to the effects of sedation. Full recovery is typically within 24 hours.
You will be monitored in our recovery area until the sedation wears off. You will receive aftercare instructions before you leave, and we’ll advise when you can return to normal activities including work and driving.
If a biopsy is taken, results are usually available within 5–7 working days. A follow-up consultation can be arranged to discuss findings and any next steps.
Endoscopic Ultrasound is a very safe procedure, especially when performed by an experienced specialist such as Dr Arjun Prakash. As with any medical procedure, complications are rare but can include:
Our team takes every precaution to minimise these risks and will discuss them with you in more detail before the test.
Where you are unsure about any of the above instructions or you have any questions about another medicine, do feel free to reach out to us.
Yes – a consultation will be arranged to assess your symptoms, discuss your medical history, and confirm that EUS is appropriate. It also allows us to plan the procedure safely, especially if a biopsy may be needed.
No – EUS is performed under sedation, which helps you relax and prevents discomfort. Most patients do not remember the test afterwards.
Sometimes a new and review appointment may be bundled with an Ultrasound scan. The clinic will be in touch with you, if you wish to organise this in advance. Every attempt will be made to see you for the review as soon as possible, keeping in mind that the scan needs to be reported.
No – you will need to fast for several hours beforehand. Clear instructions will be provided at the time of booking.
You will be able to leave once you have recovered from the sedation, usually within an hour or two. You must have someone to accompany you home.
If no biopsy is taken, your doctor may be able to give you a preliminary result on the same day. If a biopsy is performed, results typically take 5–7 working days.
Yes – EUS is very sensitive for identifying stones in the bile duct, which may not be clearly visible on other imaging tests. It can also detect signs of gallbladder inflammation or obstruction.
Yes. You are welcome to bring one individual however we would suggest that the only one person accompany you to the clinic appointment due to the limited clinic space. Where possible, please let us know so that we can make any arrangements, if needed.
To secure an appointment, you would need to pay a deposit fee which would be adjusted in the total cost of the appointment at your visit. If you are unable to attend the appointment, please inform us 24 hours prior and your deposit will be refunded. The amount cannot be refunded if the cancellation is within 24 hours or in case of a ‘No Show’.
If there is any other circumstance that does not allow you to pay the deposit, please do get in touch with us by phone or e-mail.
You also have the option to pay for the appointment in full, online. If you paid for a package that includes a certain test, which you thought you may need, and on discussion with the doctor it was not needed, the amount for the test will be refunded back to you.
If you have chosen to have an ultrasound, or you think you need one, please ensure you do not take solid food or 6 hours, and liquids for 5 hours prior to your appointment. This will enable us to provide you with the best assessment on your scan.
If you have chosen to have an endoscopy during your clinic appointment, or think you might need one, please ensure you do not eat or drink at least 6 hours prior to your appointment. This is to prevent vomiting and the food content moving into your windpipe. Food residue also prevents adequate assessment during an endoscopy.
If you have diabetes then please inform us beforehand.
If you are on blood thinning medicines (Warfarin, Apixaban, Edoxaban, Rivaroxaban, Dabigatran, Acenocoumarin), you must omit the dose on the day of procedure.
You must take any blood pressure lowering medicine on the day of procedure.
The same applies, if you have decided to have an endoscopy under deep sedation.
Please refer to this document for more detailed information on Endoscopy at Harmony.
