[Is there still an increase in knowledge in basic abdominal ultrasound?--congress report DLT Graz 2006]

The number of articles on abdominal ultrasound has been declining in the last few years. The proportion of presentations containing significant new developments amongst the 23 submitted papers which were accepted is low, some presentations are partially new or utilise ultrasound as a clinical tool, and about half the articles have already been presented in a different form or context at former meetings. Without contrast enhanced ultrasound, innovative contributions would be a rarity. The following article summarises the scientific meetings of the DLT in Graz. In addition to a short evaluation, the scientific objectives of abdominal ultrasound in the next few years are discussed.