[Endoscopic ultrasound in the investigation of gastric tumors]

Preoperative staging has been considered to be of importance in gastric cancer. Recently, 133 patients were examined preoperatively using endoscopic ultrasound, and 77 of these had gastric cancer. Preoperative staging (T + M) using endoscopic ultrasound coincided with findings at surgery in 84% of the cases. The depth of penetration was accurate in 92% of the cases. It is concluded that endoscopic ultrasound is more reliable for preoperative staging than conventional ultrasound, computer tomography or magnetic resonance imaging for gastric cancer. Whether or not improved preoperative staging has a bearing on the treatment of patients with gastric cancer, depends largely on whether or not cytostatic therapy is used. We believe that centralizing diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer is beneficial.