Status evaluation: endoscopic ultrasonography. American Society for Gastroenterology Endoscopy. Technology Assessment...

Endoscopic ultrasound is a new technology that improves the local staging of esophageal, gastric, and rectal carcinomas. In addition, EUS may provide useful information which will affect management in individual patients with subepithelial masses (e.g., varices, leiomyomas) and pancreatic diseases. Other imaging studies such as transcutaneous ultrasonography and CT are still necessary to detect distant metastatic disease. At present, EUS may be best reserved for use by individuals who have sufficient patient materials to provide broad experience with the technique. Physicians at centers where large numbers of patients with gastrointestinal cancer are evaluated may find this technology most useful. Even in patients with malignancy, however, studies are needed to show that the improved local staging by EUS will translate into changes in patient management and improved outcome.