[Gastrointestinal ultrasound update 2011]

Abstract

Ultrasound in addition to endoscopy and radiological methods has become widely accepted for diagnosis and evaluation of therapeutic success of gastrointestinal diseases. In addition to the lumen and more importantly the wall (layering) and the surroundings of the gastrointestinal tract functional processes (peristalsis, bloodflow) can be analysed as well. The current role of gastrointestinal ultrasound was discussed during the Davos meeting 2011 of the «Schweizerische Gesellschaft für Ultraschall» (SGUM) and the literature is summarised in this article.