Recovery after an endoscopic ultrasound
Endoscopic ultrasound
After a endoscopic ultrasound you should rest at home as you may feel sleepy and avoid strenuous activity for a few days. You should be able to carry out your normal activities 24 hours after the test.
If you have had a cyst drained, we might ask you to take antibiotic tablets for 3 days.
If you had sedation, the effects last longer than you might expect. For the first 24 hours after sedation:
Do
- rest quietly at home
- avoid strenuous activity for a few days
- call us is you have a problem or are worried about anything
Don't
- do not drive any vehicle or ride a bicycle
- do not operate machinery or do anything requiring skill or judgement
- do not drink alcohol
- do not take sleeping tablets
- do not go to work
- do not make any important decisions, sign contracts or legal documents
Go to your nearest A&E if:
- you have severe tummy (abdominal) pain
- you have a high temperature (fever)
- you pass large amounts of blood after the procedure
Results
This test might be one of a few tests you are having, so other results might be needed before your treatment can be decided.
If you have had samples taken, the results might take up to 2 weeks to be available.
Details of the results and any treatment will be discussed at your next appointment with your hospital doctor who referred you.
The endoscopy department cannot give you any biopsy results.
If you had biopsies taken and have not received your results after 4 weeks check your report on which department to contact.
- Surgical virtual clinic: 020 7188 8875
- Gastroenterology virtual clinic: 020 7188 7188 extension 87790
Follow-up appointment
You might already have a follow-up outpatient appointment booked. If not, we will arrange one for you.
If you have been referred from outside the hospital, your results will be sent to your referring clinician and you should follow-up with that team if you have not already heard from them.
Useful information
The British Society of Gastroenterology
Guts UK is a charity about diseases of the gut, liver and pancreas.
Resource number: 0451/VER8
Last reviewed: February 2023
Next review: May 2024
