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World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther. May 6, 2014; 5(2): 55-56
Published online May 6, 2014. doi: 10.4292/wjgpt.v5.i2.55
Published online May 6, 2014. doi: 10.4292/wjgpt.v5.i2.55
Endoscopic ultrasonography: Challenges and opportunities in the developing world
Furqaan Ahmed, Department of Gastroenterology, South City Hospital, Karachi 75600, Pakistan
Author contributions: Ahmed F solely contributed to this paper.
Correspondence to: Furqaan Ahmed, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, South City Hospital, 128C KDA Scheme #1, Karachi 75600, Pakistan. furqaan@hotmail.com
Telephone: +92-300-8259667 Fax: +92-21-32788200
Received: April 6, 2013
Revised: December 12, 2013
Accepted: January 13, 2014
Published online: May 6, 2014
Revised: December 12, 2013
Accepted: January 13, 2014
Published online: May 6, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: Endoscopic ultrasonography has revolutionized aspects of the practice of gastroenterology and oncology in the West. This technique is becoming increasingly available in the developing world, where it poses unique challenges to its practice. These challenges include those relating to service initiation and maintenance costs, physician awareness, and on-site cytopathology access. If these issues are anticipated and addressed in ways appropriate to local circumstances, obstacles to the institution of EUS programs can be overcome.