Abstract
EUS is a combination of endoscopy and intraluminal ultrasonography . EUS also enables ultrasonographic images of high resolution to be obtained . However, whether the lesion is malignant or benign cannot be diagnosed solely from the findings of EUS. Endoscopic ultrasound guide fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) was developed in early 1990s to enhance the diagnostic capabilities of EUS by providing additional pathological findings . EUS-FNA has not been widely accepted in Japan. This may be due to the technical difficulties, relatively low sensitivity for the detection of malignancies and the Japanese gastroenterologist's and surgeon's inherent conservative way of thinking. We describe here the short history of EUS-FNA mainly in Japan, current indications and contraindications, diagnostic accuracy and complications in details. In the near future, EUS followed by EUS-FNA will be routinely performed in the same manner as gastrointestinal endoscopy, fllowed by biopsy under direct vision. And also therapeutic EUS may become feasible as a less invasive and safer technique.
