EUS USING MINIATURE PROBE FOR ESOPHAGEAL DISEASES

Abstract

EUS for esophageal diseases is highly useful for determining treatment strategies. Because the diagnosis of esophageal disease is largely based on technical factors, a well-established examination with a standardized technique is needed to improve the accuracy of findings. Soft balloon EUS and gel immersion EUS have different pros and cons; however, practicing each diagnostic method would be helpful in gaining a working knowledge about each toolʼs characteristics. Esophageal submucosal tumor and superficial esophageal cancer are good candidates for diagnosing with EUS. When T1b cancer is suspected and endoscopic treatment is being considered, EUS can be very useful in determining the possibility of an endoscopic resection with a negative vertical margin. Regarding the soft balloon method, there are some potential risks of both overdiagnosis owing to compression or lymphatic follicles just below the tumor and underdiagnosis owing to microinvasion. In terms of the gel immersion method, importance should be placed on ensuring that the procedure is performed in a completely immerged area.