NON-OPTIC ENDOSONOGRAPHY IN ADVANCED-CARCINOMA OF THE ESOPHAGUS

The assessment of advanced esophageal cancer with a 5-MHz steerable no n-optic ultrasound probe is described. Non-optic endosonography was pe rformed on 80 occasions in 50 patients; the probe could be passed succ essfully on 75 occasions. In all cases, good visualization of the exte nt of esophageal tumor was obtained and discrimination between the tum or mass and discrete peri-esophageal lymph nodes was possible. The tec hnique was valuable in monitoring tumor response to laser therapy and radiotherapy, and in guiding the laser endoscopist away from areas of minimal thickening.