[Gastrointestinal ultrasounds--possibilities for research and research funding]

Sonography is nowadays the most used imaging procedure in gastroenterology. In contrast research in this field is little developed. However, a number of possibilities of research as regarding basic (technological) research as well in the context of patient oriented and outcome research can be proposed. If structure and quality conditions are adequate, a number of ways for funding sonographical research can be found which need to be used dependent on the category of research chosen. In particular outcome research should be considered for funding by public funding institutions (BMG/BMBF) and the insurance system.