Pancreas Ultrasound

What is a pancreas ultrasound?

A pancreas ultrasound is an imaging test that creates pictures of your pancreas using sound waves. It lets healthcare providers see your pancreas and nearby organs, so they can identify conditions like pancreatitis (inflammation).

It can also help diagnose:

• Pancreatic cancer
• Pancreatic pseudocysts
• Infection
• Pancreatic cysts
• Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
• Bile duct obstructions or blockages

Types of pancreas ultrasound

There are two ways your provider can get an ultrasound of your pancreas:

1. Abdominal ultrasound: This involves a technician sliding an ultrasound wand across your abdomen. This way is less invasive, but it’s harder to see your pancreas clearly. The pancreas is deep in your abdomen and often hidden by gas in your stomach or intestines. Body fat and nearby organs can also get in the way of a clear image.
2. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): This method involves your gastroenterologist placing an endoscope down your throat and into your small intestine. The scope has a small ultrasound probe at the tip. This method lets your provider get clearer pictures. But you receive sedation, and it’s more complex. Your provider can also take a biopsy with this type.

Why would I need a pancreas ultrasound?

Some reasons your provider may recommend a pancreas ultrasound are:

• You have upper abdominal pain that doesn’t go away
• Your abdomen is distended
• You have jaundice
• You have unexplained weight loss
• You have pale, floating and greasy poop or diarrhea
• You develop a fever
• You’re nauseous or vomiting

How does a pancreas ultrasound work?

While there are different methods for a pancreatic ultrasound, both produce images the same way. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the inside of your body. The sound waves echo off your pancreas and nearby organs. Then, a computer turns those echoes into pictures. Finally, your healthcare provider can look at the images to diagnose problems.

An ultrasound technologist typically performs abdominal ultrasounds. A gastroenterologist typically performs EUS.

How do I prepare for it?

Your provider will let you know if you need to prepare for the ultrasound. In most cases, you’ll need to fast for several hours before a pancreas ultrasound. Fasting for this test produces clearer images. This is because food and gas in your stomach and intestines can block the sound waves from reaching your pancreas.

If you’re having an EUS, your provider may have other instructions for you. You’ll need to fast for longer (typically overnight). They may also have you adjust or stop certain medications. Since it usually involves sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you home after. Be sure to ask your healthcare provider any questions about the ultrasound before the day of your test.

What can I expect during the test?

Here’s what you can expect during an abdominal ultrasound for your pancreas:

1. You’ll lie down on an exam table and lift your shirt. Some providers have you change into a hospital gown.
2. The technologist will apply ultrasound gel to your upper abdomen (where your pancreas is).
3. The technologist will move a small handheld device over your pancreas to capture images.
4. A radiologist will review the images.

The ultrasound usually takes less than 30 minutes. You can go home right away.

Here’s what you can expect from endoscopic ultrasound (EUS):

1. You change into a hospital gown and get an IV in your arm. This IV delivers medicine to your body during the test.
2. A healthcare provider gives you medication to help you relax or make you sleepy (conscious sedation).
3. Your gastroenterologist inserts the endoscope through your mouth and down your throat all the way to the first part of your small intestine (duodenum).
4. The ultrasound probe at the tip of the endoscope sends sound waves into your body. These sound waves create pictures of your pancreas. If necessary, your provider will take tissue samples from your pancreas (biopsy).
5. Your provider removes the scope once they get all the images they need.
6. You’re taken to a recovery room for about 30 minutes or until the sedation wears off.
7. Once you’re stable, a responsible adult can drive you home.

This type can take up to 90 minutes because it involves sedation, inserting the scope and recovery. But you’ll go home the same day.

What are the risks and side effects?

There are no risks or side effects from an abdominal pancreatic ultrasound. The test is safe and painless.

Possible risks and side effects with an endoscopic ultrasound include:

• Sore throat from the scope in your throat
• Tiredness or fatigue from sedation
• Gas or feeling bloated
• Infection or bleeding if your provider biopsied the area
• Hole in your esophagus or stomach from the scope (rare)
• Allergic reaction to sedation (rare)

What should I expect after a pancreas ultrasound?

You can go back to your normal activities after an abdominal ultrasound. If you had EUS, your recovery will be slightly different. It may take the rest of the day to return to your usual activities. It’s also normal to feel groggy or have a mild sore throat.

The time it takes to get your results can vary depending on the method your provider uses. You can get results as early as the same day, or it can take several days.

What do the results of a pancreas ultrasound mean?

Your results depend on why you had the ultrasound. A normal result means your provider didn’t find anything irregular.

An abnormal result means your provider has concerns about what they saw. It could mean your pancreas is inflamed, infected or looks unusual.

The pancreas is in a deep location in your abdomen. Because of this and its closeness to other organs and structures, it can be challenging to get clear pictures. There’s a chance your ultrasound is inconclusive, and further tests are necessary.

If your healthcare provider saw something unusual or your results are unclear, they may suggest other tests. These may include a CT scan or MRI. You may need imaging tests to look at organs close to your pancreas, like your colon. Your provider typically orders pancreas blood tests, too.

How accurate are results?

Your provider will make sure your ultrasound results are accurate, no matter what method they use. This means the images are clear and that they can see your pancreas in detail.

Generally, endoscopic ultrasound is much more accurate because the ultrasound probe is inside your body. But providers can get clear and accurate images from abdominal ultrasounds, too.

When should I call my doctor?

Contact your provider if you have any questions about your pancreas ultrasound or about what comes next in your care.