Published online Oct 16, 2017. doi: 10.4253/wjge.v9.i10.499
Peer-review started: April 10, 2017
First decision: May 11, 2017
Revised: May 20, 2017
Accepted: June 12, 2017
Article in press: June 13, 2017
Published online: October 16, 2017
Processing time: 194 Days and 18.6 Hours
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), developed in the 1980s, was initially predominantly used for guidance of fine needle aspiration; the last 25 years, however, have witnessed a major expansion of EUS to various applications, both diagnostic and therapeutic. EUS has become much more than a tool to differentiate different tissue densities; tissue can now be characterized in great detail using modalities such as elastography; the extent of tissue vascularity can now be learned with increasing precision. Using these various techniques, targets for biopsy can be precisely pinpointed. Upon reaching the target, tissue can then be examined microscopically in real-time, ensuring optimal targeting and diagnosis. This article provides a comprehensive review of the various current roles of EUS, including drainage of lesions, visualization and characterization of lesions, injection, surgery, and vascular intervention. With EUS technology continuing to develop exponentially, the article emphasizes the future directions of each modality.
Core tip: In recent years, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has evolved and is now used in various applications, both diagnostic and therapeutic. Classically used to differentiate different tissue densities, EUS is now used to characterize and localize tissue with much more precision. Upon reaching the target, tissue can then be examined microscopically in real-time, ensuring optimal targeting and diagnosis. This article provides a comprehensive review of the various current roles of EUS, including drainage of lesions, visualization and characterization of lesions, injection, surgery, and vascular intervention. With EUS technology continuing to develop exponentially, the article emphasizes the future directions of each modality.