The role of endobronchial ultrasound in the diagnosis and staging of gastrointestinal malignancies
In addition to the critical role of endoscopic ultrasound in gastrointestinal malignancies, endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) may compliment the evaluation and treatment of esophageal and nonesophageal malignancies. Using both convex and radial probe ultrasound, the mediastinum and parenchymal lung lesions may be evaluated to more precisely determine the extent of disease compared with traditional strategies. EBUS may also provide therapeutic advantages by assisting in stent placement or treating parenchymal metastases. This article aims to discuss the benefits derived from using EBUS in the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies.
aSection of Interventional Pulmonology and Thoracic Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
bInterventional Pulmonology Program, National Jewish Health, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, Colorado
cThoracic Interventional Program, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Yale University Medical Center, New Haven, Connecticut
Address reprint requests to Jonathan Puchalski, MD, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Yale University Medical Center, 300 Cedar Street, TAC-441 South, PO Box 208057, New Haven, CT 06520-8057
The authors report no direct financial interests that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted manuscript.
ABSTRACT