Rectal Endoscopic Ultrasound in Clinical Practice

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Medical Imaging
• Endoscopy

Background:

• Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is a key tool for assessing lower gastrointestinal tract conditions.
• Rectal EUS plays a role in evaluating both benign and malignant lower GI disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current clinical applications of rectal EUS.
• To highlight recent advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic rectal EUS.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and clinical practice guidelines.
• Discussion of technological advancements in EUS imaging and therapeutic capabilities.

Main Results:

• Rectal EUS is recommended for rectal cancer staging when MRI is contraindicated.
• Newer echoendoscopes and miniprobes enable imaging throughout the colon and beyond stenoses.
• EUS is valuable for perianal disease, pelvic abscess drainage in IBD, and managing rectal varices.
• Therapeutic rectal EUS shows promise for pelvic fluid collection drainage and fiducial placement.
• While MRI has reduced its role in cancer staging, EUS continues to evolve with new technologies.

Conclusions:

• Rectal EUS remains an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool for lower GI disorders.
• Ongoing technological developments are expanding the potential applications of rectal EUS.