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Endoscopic ultrasound: diagnostic and therapeutic applications
Author(s) -
Norton I. D.,
Jones D. B.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
internal medicine journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.596
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-5994
pISSN - 1444-0903
DOI - 10.1046/j.1445-5994.2003.00338.x
Subject(s) - medicine , endoscopic ultrasound , rectum , ultrasound , radiology , endoscope , biopsy , endoscopy , lymph , duodenum , surgery , pathology
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) comprises several techniques of performing high‐frequency ultrasound via an endoscope placed in the gastrointestinal tract (oesophagus, stomach, duodenum and pancreaticobiliary tree and rectum). It has rapidly become an important tool in the investigation of a variety of lumenal disorders as well as locoregional staging of gastrointestinal malignancies. Needle biopsy of peri‐intestinal structures, such as lymph nodes and pancreatic masses, can also be performed under real‐time ultrasound control. To date, the utilization of this technology in Australia has been limited by cost constraints and a paucity of training opportunities. EUS continues to be a rapidly growing area in clinical gastroenterology. Recent studies continue to define its role, particularly in the loco‐regional staging of a variety of malignancies. In addition, new instruments permit tissue sampling and a variety of therapeutic manoeuvres under direct ultrasound guidance. (Intern Med J 2003; 33; 26−32)