Endoscopic ultrasonography and endoscopic treatment of pancreatic diseases

Abstract

The principle of Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS) is similar to abdominal ultrasonography. The difference between them is the installment of a high-frequency ultrasound miniature probe at the tip of the endoscope for real-time ultrasound scanning. The pancreas is a retroperitoneal organ. The insertion of the ultrasonic endoscope into the stomach and duodenum can clearly demonstrate the structure of the pancreas on ultrasound scanning. With the extensive application of EUS and development of endoscopic accessories, EUS is becoming more important and it plays an important role in the minimally invasive treatment of pancreatic diseases. EUS-FNA and injection technique, EUS-CPN,EUS-guided radiation seed implantation, endoscopic ultrasound-guided puncture and drainage of pancreatic pseudocyst broaden the application of EUS techniques. EUS will become another important minimally invasive endoscopic treatment for pancreatic diseases following ERCP. Key words: Endoscopic ultrasonography; Pancreatic diseases; Therapeutic endoscopy