Endo-sonography in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases

Endosonography is an imaging method whereby a high frequency ultrasound pro be is inserted into a body cavity with or without under endoscopic control. Examination of the gastrointestinal tract is performed using special echoe ndoscopes or transendoscopic miniprobes. The gastrointestinal wall, mediast inum, pancreas, bile ducts, retroperitoneum, and other structures surroundi ng the gastrointestinal tract are target organs for endosonography. A detai led image of pathological processes can thus be obtained. The method can be used both for primary diagnosis of lesions and in follow-up of gastrointes tinal diseases. It is accurate in local staging of cancer and in detecting small lesions. There are some limitations for optimal examination like sten oses or other factors prohibiting a precise positioning of the ultrasound t ransducer. The clinical importance of endosonographic examinations must be continuously evaluated on the basis of new technical modalities and changes in therapeutic procedures.