Abstract
The linear arrayed ultrasonic fiberendoscope developed by cooperation of Machida Seisakusho Company and Toshiba Medical Company has been being improved gradually. The fourth experimental equipment is being tring at present. We investigated its useful-ness in diagnosis of a disease in the epigastric region and carried out the examination in a total number of 50 cases from June, 1981 to December, 1982. The technique is considered to have reached nearly the level of practical use with developement of the fourth equip-ment. In the present paper, the usefulness of the linear arrayed ultrasonic fiberendoscope is stressed on the results is the cases examined with this equipment. In addition, we developed a rubber balloon which is attached around the probe and have used it in 30 cases since July, 1982 with very good results. Thus, the usefulness of the balloon is reported together. Tumors were revealed easily and the depth and area of the tumor intf filtration could be diagnosed in esophagus and stomach cancers. The technique was useful for grasping the whole condition of a submucosal tumor and for its differential diagnosis by difference in inner echo in the esophagus and the stomach. A clear image was obtained without being affected by the abdominal wall and gas in the digestive tract in diseases of the pancreas. The linear arrayed ultrasonic fiberendoscope is being expected to be used for examination of lesions in the upper digestive tract and diseases of the pancreas in the future.
