Future Directions for Endoscopic Ultrasound: Where Are We Heading?

Abstract

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) plays an important role as a diagnostic and therapeutic modality in gastroenterology. New developments have emerged, especially in the last decade, and are being introduced to endoscopists. The ability to readily visualize and access organs in the gastrointestinal tract has allowed endoscopists to perform new interventional procedures. EUS procedures have taken the place of conventional approaches for the treatment of various gastrointestinal diseases, including pancreatic cystic lesions. This article focuses on the advances and future of diagnostic and therapeutic EUS.

Keywords: Confocal endomicroscopy; Contrast-enhanced; Device; Drainage; Elastography; Endoscopic ultrasonography; Future directions.