[The nurse's role in endoscopic ultrasonography]

The role of trained nurses in endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) examination is very relevant for the quality and results of EUS. Nurses have many tasks in EUS. To prepare the endoscopic room with the right instrument and necessary devices for examination of the upper or lower GI tract is very important. It is also crucial that the nurse gives the right information about the procedure to the patient, to relieve anxiety and to give explanations about the modality of the endoscopic procedure. During the procedure the nurse must help the endoscopist and, when indicated, the anesthesist. After the completion of the procedure, the nurse must carry-on with the reprocessing of the endoscopic instrument and of the devices. Specialized and dedicated nurses who follow courses to keep up-dated are indispensable in this field because of the constant evolution of the endoscopic instruments and techniques. Possible complications must be kept in mind to be recognized and to be treated in an early phase. The endoscopy-trained nurse must know the anatomy of the examined segments but should however integrate this knowledge with the care of the patients. Nurses should also contribute to clinical research regarding EUS.