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EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has recently gained widespread acceptance as a minimally invasive alternative method for biliary drainage. Even in experienced endoscopy centers, ERCP may fail due to inaccessibility of the papillary region, altered anatomy (particularly postsurgical alterations), papillary obstruction, or neoplastic gastric outlet obstruction. Biliary cannulation fails at first attempt in 5%-10% of cases even in the absence of these factors. In such cases, alternative options for biliary drainage must be provided since biliary obstruction is responsible for poor quality of life and even reduced survival, particularly due to septic cholangitis. The standard of care in many centers remains percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD). However, despite the high technical success rate with experienced operators, the percutaneous approach is more invasive and associated with poor quality of life. PTBD may result in long-term external catheters for biliary drainage and carry the risk of serious adverse events (SAEs) in up to 10% of patients, including bile leaks, hemorrhage, and sepsis. PTBD following a failed ERCP also requires scheduling a second procedure, resulting in prolonged hospital stay and additional costs. EUS-BD may overcome many of these limitations and offer some distinct advantages in accessing the biliary tree. Current data suggest that EUS-BD is safe and effective when performed by experts, although SAEs have been also reported. Despite the high number of clinical reports and case series, high-quality comparative studies are still lacking. The purpose of this article is to report on the current status of this procedure and to discuss the tools and techniques for EUS-BD in different clinical scenarios.

Aims: Limited evidence on how to organize pre-patient training in Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and how to evaluate its effect on knowledge and skills are available. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of a structured multi-site training program on EUS competence in Germany. Material and methods: In a prospective study design, evaluation of 64 trainees was conducted during four three-day training courses with equal curricula at three sites. Participants completed a structured pre- and post-test questionnaire consisting of 4 items to evaluate the relevance and acceptance of the training components (theoretical teaching, video sessions, live demonstration, hands-on experience) on a 5-point Likert scale, as well as a Likert scale to judge the self-rated improvement in EUS competence. To assess knowledge, 12 multiple choice (MC) questions had to be answered by all participants in a pre- and a post-test design . Also differences between beginners and advanced learners were analysed. Results: Overall evaluation on acceptance received above-average results with a median of 4 or 5 (IQR 1-2) on Likert scale (1=completely disagree, 5=completely agree). In the post-test self-rated EUS skills improved from 4 to 2 on the Likert scale (IQR=1, p=0.001, 1=excellent EUS skills, 5=no EUS skills). Results of the MC-test of all trainees showed significant improvement in theoretical knowledge from 7.9±1.9 to 8.8±1.9 points (mean±SD, p=0.001). Conclusions: Our study provides arguments for the usefulness of a structured EUS training program resulting in a positive acceptance and high self-rated EUS competence by the participants and significant improvements in knowledge.

We recently introduced a series of articles that dealt with controversies in EUS. In Part I, the authors discussed which clinical information is necessary prior to EUS and whether other imaging modalities are required before embarking on EUS examinations. Part II focuses on technical details and controversies about the use of EUS in special situations. In this article, important practical issues regarding the application of contrast-enhanced EUS in various clinical settings are raised and controversially discussed from different points of view.

This article represents part 3 of the EFSUMB Recommendations and Guidelines for Gastrointestinal Ultrasound (GIUS). It provides an overview of the examination techniques recommended by experts in the field of endorectal/endoanal ultrasound (ERUS/EAUS), as well as perineal ultrasound (PNUS). The most important indications are rectal tumors and inflammatory diseases like fistula and abscesses in patients with or without inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). PNUS sometimes is more flexible and convenient compared to ERUS. However, the technique of ERUS is quite well established, especially for the staging of rectal cancer. EAUS also gained ground in the evaluation of perianal diseases like fistulas, abscesses and incontinence. For the staging of perirectal tumors, the use of PNUS in addition to conventional ERUS could be recommended. For the staging of anal carcinomas, PNUS can be a good option because of the higher resolution. Both ERUS and PNUS are considered excellent guidance methods for invasive interventions, such as the drainage of fluids or targeted biopsy of tissue lesions. For abscess detection and evaluation, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) also helps in therapy planning.

Background and Aims Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is typically diagnosed at a late stage. Little is known about the incidental finding of early-stage PDAC. The aim of the current study was to determine the etiology of small solid pancreatic lesions (≤15 mm) to optimize clinical management. Methods Inclusion criterion for the retrospective study analysis was the incidental finding of primarily undetermined small solid pancreatic lesions ≤15 mm in 394 asymptomatic patients. Final diagnoses were based on histology or cytology obtained by imaging-guided biopsy (and at least 12-month follow-up) and/or surgery. Contrast-enhanced US or contrast-enhanced EUS was performed in 219 patients. Results The final diagnoses of 394 patients were as follows: 146 PDACs, 156 neuroendocrine tumors, 28 metastases into the pancreas from other primary sites, and 64 various other etiologies. Contrast-enhanced US allowed differential diagnosis of PDAC and non-PDAC in 189 of 219 patients (86%). Conclusions Approximately 40% of patients with small solid pancreatic lesions had very early stage PDAC. Approximately 60% of small solid pancreatic lesions ≤15 mm are not PDAC and, therefore, do not require radical surgery. Without preoperative diagnosis, an unacceptably large proportion of patients would be exposed to radical surgery with significant morbidity and mortality.

Background The prevalence of malignancy in patients with small solid pancreatic lesions is low; however, early diagnosis is crucial for successful treatment of these cases. Therefore, a method to reliably distinguish between benign and malignant small solid pancreatic lesions would be highly desirable. We investigated the role of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) elastography in this setting. Methods Patients with solid pancreatic lesions ≤ 15 mm in size and a definite diagnosis were included. Lesion stiffness relative to the surrounding pancreatic parenchyma, as qualitatively assessed and documented at the time of EUS elastography, was retrospectively compared with the final diagnosis obtained by fine-needle aspiration/biopsy or surgical resection. Results 218 patients were analyzed. The average size of the lesions was 11 ± 3 mm; 23 % were ductal adenocarcinoma, 52 % neuroendocrine tumors, 8 % metastases, and 17 % other entities; 66 % of the lesions were benign. On elastography, 50 % of lesions were stiffer than the surrounding pancreatic parenchyma (stiff lesions) and 50 % were less stiff or of similar stiffness (soft lesions). High stiffness of the lesion had a sensitivity of 84 % (95 % confidence interval 73 % – 91 %), specificity of 67 % (58 % – 74 %), positive predictive value (PPV) of 56 % (50 % – 62 %), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 89 % (83 % – 93 %) for the diagnosis of malignancy. For the diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 96 % (87 % – 100 %), 64 % (56 % – 71 %), 45 % (40 % – 50 %), and 98 % (93 % – 100 %), respectively. Conclusions In patients with small solid pancreatic lesions, EUS elastography can rule out malignancy with a high level of certainty if the lesion appears soft. A stiff lesion can be either benign or malignant.

Endoskopische und bildgebende Technologien befinden sich in einer Phase ausergewohnlichen Innovationsdruckes durch die Anderungen der gesundheitspolitischen Rahmenbedingungen. Diagnostische Effizienz und Asthetik sind einander erganzende Kategorien von Bildgebung und Endoskopie. Kunstlerische Elemente sind dabei auch Ausdrucksformen einer gesunden und ausgeglichenen Lebensform und somit auch von Harmonie und Heilung. Die vorliegende Arbeit beleuchtet aus mehreren Perspektiven das kraftvolle Wechselspiel zwischen den zwei primar dichotom erscheinenden Disziplinen Kunst und Wissenschaft und diskutiert den Zusammenhang zwischen Asthetik und Kognition in Endoskopie und Bildgebung.

The fifth section of the Guidelines on Interventional Ultrasound (INVUS) of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) assesses the evidence for all the categories of endoscopic ultrasound-guided treatment reported to date. Celiac plexus neurolysis and block, vascular intervention, drainage of fluid collections, drainage of biliary and pancreatic ducts, and experimental tumor ablation techniques are discussed. For each topic, all current evidence has been extensively analyzed and summarized into major recommendations for reader consultation (short version; the long version is published online).

The fourth part of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) Guidelines on Interventional Ultrasound describes general aspects of endoscopic ultrasound-guided diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and assesses the evidence for endoscopic ultrasound-guided sampling. Endoscopic ultrasound combines the most advanced high-resolution ultrasound imaging of lesions within the wall and in the vicinity of the gastrointestinal tract and safe and effective fine needle-based tissue acquisition from these lesions. The guideline addresses the indications, contraindications, techniques, adverse events, training and clinical impact of EUS-guided sampling. Advantages and drawbacks are weighed in comparison with image-guided percutaneous biopsy. Based on the most current evidence, clinical practice recommendations are given for crucial preconditions and steps of EUS-guided sampling as well as for safe performance. Additionally, the guideline deals with the principles and reliability of cytopathological reporting in endoscopic ultrasound-guided sampling (short version; the long version is published online).

To examine practice patterns of endosonographers in diagnosing and managing gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) in Germany.A modified published survey (Ha et al., Gastrointest Endosc 2009) was sent to endosonographic ultrasound (EUS) customers in Germany. The survey was also publicized on the homepage of an EUS interest group. To avoid duplicate opinions, participants were asked to return one survey per institution.142 centers of roughly 850 German EUS centers responded. 25 % were from University hospitals and 74 % from community hospitals. 61 % performed 2 EUS scans for suspected subepithelial lesions/week. Although 97 % of respondents believed that tissue acquisition with CD117 immunohistochemistry best predicts a GIST, 11 % do not perform EUS-FNA when suspecting a GIST, 68 % perform it occasionally and 18 % perform it regularly. The main EUS criteria used for a suspected GIST are the typical layer (85 %), hypoechoic appearance (80 %) and gastric location (51 %). 69 % would diagnose a GIST with negative CD117 if the EUS criteria and spindle cells are present. FNA was rated helpful in 50 % by 55 % of participants. Size was the primary criterion for suspecting malignancy. 95 % of respondents would perform surveillance ≥ 1x/year of GISTs that are not resected.There is significant variability in the diagnosis and management of GISTs in Germany. Diagnostic certainty of EUS-FNA is suboptimal in many centers and EUS is frequently used for guidance. The diagnosis of a GIST is often guided by a "gut feeling" rather than evidence. Efforts should be made to unify existing guidelines.

To analyse the incidence of bleeding after percutaneous ultrasound guided diagnostic and therapeutic intraabdominal interventions in a prospective multicentre study (DEGUM percutaneous interventional ultrasound study).Within a time period of 2 years diagnostic and therapeutic intraabdominal interventions (with the exclusion of ascites paracentesis) performed percutaneously under continuous ultrasound (US) guidance were prospectively assessed using a pseudonymized standardized web site entry form. Number and type of intervention, operator experience, patient characteristics, medication, lab data as well as technical aspects of the procedure and bleeding complications were analysed according to the interventional radiology standards.8172 US-guided intraabdominal interventions (liver n = 5903; pancreas n = 501, kidney n = 434, lymph node = 272, biliary system n = 153, spleen n = 63, other abdominal organs and extra-organic targets n = 999) were analysed in 30 hospitals. The majority were diagnostic biopsies including 1780 liver parenchyma, 3400 focal liver lesions and 404 pancreatic lesions. 7525 interventions (92.1 %) were performed in hospitalized patients (mean age 62.6 years). Most operators were highly experienced in US-guided interventions ( 500 interventions prior to the study n = 5729; 70.1 %). Sedation was administered in 1131 patients (13.8 %). Needle diameter was ≥ 1 mm in 7162 punctures (87.9 %) with main focus on core needle biopsies (18 G, n = 4185). Clinically relevant bleeding complications with need of transfusion (0.4 %), surgical bleeding control (0.1 %) and radiological coiling (0.05 %) were very rare. Bleeding complications with fatal outcome occurred in four patients (0.05 %). The frequency of major bleeding complications was significantly higher in patients with an INR 1.5 (p 0.001) and patients taking a medication potentially interfering with platelet function or plasmatic coagulation (p 0.0333).This prospective multicentre study confirms the broad spectrum of percutaneous US-guided intraabdominal interventions. However diagnostic liver biopsies dominate with the use of core needle biopsies (18 G). Percutaneous US-guided interventions performed by experienced sonographers are associated with a low bleeding risk. Major bleeding complications are very rare. A pre-interventional INR 1.5 and individual medication risk assessment are recommended.

Rationale and Objectives The aim of the study is to show the possibilities opened up by three-dimensional (3D) computer-based models of the human body for education in anatomy, training of radiological and endoscopic examinations, and simulation of surgical procedures. Materials and Methods Based on 3D data sets obtained from the Visible Human and/or clinical cases, virtual body models are created that provide an integrated spatial and symbolic description of the anatomy by using interactive color/intensity–based segmentation, ray casting visualization with subvoxel resolution, a semantic network for knowledge modeling, and augmented QuickTime VR (Apple Computer, Inc, Cupertino, CA) movies for presentation. Results From these models, various radiological, endoscopic, or haptic manifestations of the body can be derived. This is shown with examples from anatomy teaching, correlation of x-ray images with 3D anatomy for education in radiology, gastrointestinal endoscopy, correlation of ultrasound images with 3D anatomy in endoscopic ultrasonography, and simulation of drilling in temporal bone surgery. Conclusion The presented models provide a means for realistic training in interpretation of radiological and endoscopic images of the human body. Furthermore, certain surgical procedures may be simulated realistically. Used as a complement to the current curriculum, these models have the potential to greatly decrease education times and costs.

Background Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with sten insertion is an established procedure for palliation of patients with malignant pancreaticobiliary strictures. In some patients, however, placement of a stent by means of a duodenoscope is not possible. Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage is an alternative method that has a complication rate of up to 15%. Four cases of successful EUS-guided-cholangio-drainage are presented in which the major papilla could not be cannulated at endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. Methods : For puncture of the intrahepatic or extrahepatic bile duct, a modification of the one-step technique for the drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts was used. Results : Stent insertion was successful in 3 of the 4 patients. In these 3 patients cholestasis resolved promptly. Conclusions : EUS-guided cholangio-drainage is a potential alternative to percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in the therapy of malignant pancreaticobiliary strictures, especially in patients who have undergone gastrectomy or partial gastrectomy with Billroth II reconstruction.

Aim To describe the imaging features of serous neoplasms of the pancreas using ultrasound, endoscopic ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Methods This multicenter international collaboration enhances a literature review to date, reporting features of 287 histologically confirmed cases of serous pancreatic cystic neoplasms (SPNs). Results Female predominance is seen with most SPNs presenting asymptomatically in the 5th through 7th decade. Mean lesion size was 38.7 mm, 98% were single, 44.2% cystic, 46% mixed cystic and solid, and 94% hypoechoic on B-mode ultrasound. Vascular patterns and contrast-enhancement profiles are described as hypervascular and hyperenhancing. Conclusion The described ultrasound features can aid differentiation of SPN from other neoplastic lesions under most circumstances.

Die longitudinale endoskopische Ultraschalltechnik ist aufgrund vielfaltiger ungewohnter Schnittfuhrungen sehr schwer zu erlernen. Um den Lernaufwand zu verringern wurde ein virtuelles Trainingssystem fur endoskopische Longitudinal-Ultraschalluntersuchungen entwickelt. Mit der hier vorgestellten Methode werden als Weiterentwicklung des Trainingssystems Ultraschallbilder auf der Basis segmentierter Volumendaten simuliert. Fur jedes segmentierte Objekt des zugrundeliegenden anatomischen Modells werden Ultraschalleigenschaften definiert. Durch Berechnung der Reflexion und der Dampfung werden Objektkanten realistisch dargestellt. Es gelingt, die fur Ultraschallbilder bedeutende Speckle-Struktur zu approximieren. Das Trainingssystem wird durch die simulierten Ultraschallbilder wesentlich verbessert.

The aim of the study is to show the possibilities opened up by three-dimensional (3D) computer-based models of the human body for education in anatomy, training of radiological and endoscopic examinations, and simulation of surgical procedures.Based on 3D data sets obtained from the Visible Human and/or clinical cases, virtual body models are created that provide an integrated spatial and symbolic description of the anatomy by using interactive color/intensity-based segmentation, ray casting visualization with subvoxel resolution, a semantic network for knowledge modeling, and augmented QuickTime VR (Apple Computer, Inc, Cupertino, CA) movies for presentation.From these models, various radiological, endoscopic, or haptic manifestations of the body can be derived. This is shown with examples from anatomy teaching, correlation of x-ray images with 3D anatomy for education in radiology, gastrointestinal endoscopy, correlation of ultrasound images with 3D anatomy in endoscopic ultrasonography, and simulation of drilling in temporal bone surgery.The presented models provide a means for realistic training in interpretation of radiological and endoscopic images of the human body. Furthermore, certain surgical procedures may be simulated realistically. Used as a complement to the current curriculum, these models have the potential to greatly decrease education times and costs.

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is a widely used imaging modality in gastroenterology. The development of linear-array endoscopic ultrasound transducers, with facilities for EUS-guided diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, led to increasingly widespread use in different areas of the body. Examiners need to have excellent knowledge of anatomy. Orientation in linear EUS is more difficult and the learning curve is long. In an effort to shorten the training, reducing the risk to the patient and to allow a faster learning of the basic anatomic structures EUS meets VOXEL-MAN, an interactive three-dimensional anatomic simulation program has been developed for linear EUS for the purposes of private and independent study.

Endoscopic Ultrasonography (EUS) is used for examinations of the gastrointestinal tract and neighboring organs. With the linear-type EUS highly accurate tumor characterization and staging is possible. However, this most difficult endoscopic procedure is particularly hard to learn. Because of the high flexibility of the endoscope’s tip oblique cross-sections can be reached which clinicians are not familiar with. The presented EUS training system that is based on the Visible Human is intended to significantly reduce the training effort of learning this sophisticated technique. EUS examinations in oesophagus, stomach and duodenum can be interactively practiced. Due to the integrated knowledge base it is possible to learn the anatomy as it appears on a Sonographic plane. A comprehensive understanding of this special anatomy is necessary for an optimal use of the EUS technique.

Der endoskopische Ultraschall (EUS) dient zur Untersuchung des Magen-Darm-Traktes und angrenzender Organe. Mit Longitudinalscannern werden gute Ergebnisse bei der Charakterisierung und Einstufung von Tumoren erzielt. Diese Technik ist jedoch sehr schwierig zu erlernen, da durch die Flexibilitat des Schallkopfes fur den Mediziner ungewohnte Schnittbilder erzeugt werden. Mit dem hier vorgestellten EUS-Trainingssystem, das auf dem Visible Human Datensatz basiert, soll der Lernaufwand dieser Technik reduziert werden. Es konnen EUS-Untersuchungen in Speiserohre, Magen und Zwolffingerdarm erprobt werden. Mittels der integrierten Wissensbasis kann die Anatomie so gelernt werden, wie sie auf dem Ultraschallbildern erscheint. Diese Kenntnisse sind fur die Interpretation der Bilder und somit fur einen sinnvollen Einsatz der Technik unerlasslich.

The fifth section of the Guidelines on Interventional Ultrasound (INVUS) of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) assesses the evidence for all the categories of endoscopic ultrasound-guided treatment reported to date. Celiac plexus neurolysis and block, vascular intervention, drainage of fluid collections, drainage of biliary and pancreatic ducts, and experimental tumor ablation techniques are discussed. For each topic, all current evidence has been extensively analyzed and summarized into major recommendations for reader consultation in clinical practice (long version).