ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND - DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC USES

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is an emerging technique that can be used to visualize lesions in or adjacent to the gastrointestinal tract. We performed a review of current indications and capabilities of endoscop ic ultrasound. EUS provides diagnostic information on submucosal lesio ns of the gastrointestinal tract. It is the most accurate method for l ocal staging of esophageal and rectal cancer. It appears to be more se nsitive in detecting common bile duct stones than endoscopic retrograd e cholangiopancreatography. Furthermore, its use avoids the risk of pa ncreatitis. Lesions deep to the gastrointestinal tract, such as medias tinal nodes or pancreatic lesions, can be biopsied through the EUS end oscope. New therapeutic uses of EUS include aid in endoscopic drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts and celiac axis neurolysis for the treatmen t of pain from pancreatic cancer. EUS offers many new diagnostic capab ilities to visualize and biopsy lesions in or adjacent to the gastroin testinal tract. Therapeutic uses are also emerging for this new techni que.