Norton I D, Jones D B
Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
Intern Med J. 2003 Jan-Feb;33(1-2):26-32. doi: 10.1046/j.1445-5994.2003.00338.x.
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.33; 26-32)
