Initial results of transgastric endoscopic ultrasonography in comparison with external ultrasound

Endoscopic ultrasonography was developed in an attempt to utilize the improved resolution of small-parts ultrasonography also in the investigation of organs located deep within the body as opposed to at the surface. A further expected advantage vis-à-vis external ultrasonography was the avoidance of the frequently obstructing air. In an initial study of 40 patients with a variety of different diseases of the upper abdomen, we were indeed able to utilize the advantages described, with the result that diagnostic information was obtained that neither external ultrasound nor endoscopy was able to provide. A limitation of endoscopic ultrasonography is the fact that the "path" of the transducer is predetermined by the course of the gastrointestinal tract. A further difficulty is the anatomic orientation. To combat this latter problem, our working group has under X-ray control, established standard position for the ultrasound endoscope.