East Cooper Medical Center is the first hospital in Mount Pleasant to perform endoscopic ultrasounds (EUS). Physicians at East Cooper Medical Center are using newly acquired technology to help them diagnose pancreatic cancer, diagnose diseases of internal organs, locate common bile duct stones, and evaluate masses in the lining of the GI tract.

“As a hospital that is committed to providing the best care for our patients, we strive to remain at the forefront of technological advancements,” said Patrick Downes, CEO at East Cooper Medical Center. “Being able to perform endoscopic ultrasounds and endo-retrograde colangio-pacreatography (ERCP) in Mount Pleasant is a big step forward in local residents having access to robust, specialized healthcare services within our community.”

EUS combines ultrasound technology with endoscopy to gain an internal vantage point for better visualization. While conventional endoscopy only provides a view of the innermost lining of the digestive tract or its wall, the addition of ultrasounds allows the physician to see beyond that wall to visualize all five layers of the GI tract as well as the surrounding tissue and organs.

“EUS and ERCP have emerged as essential diagnostic and therapeutic tools in the field of digestive health,” said Dr. Alejandro Suarez, gastroenterologist at Palmetto Digestive Health Specialists. “It’s a privilege to be able to provide these advanced endoscopic services to my neighbors in the Mt. Pleasant community.”