[Endoscopic ultrasonography--indications and results in diseases of the esophagus and stomach].

Based on own experience and on published data we report about indications and efficacy of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in esophageal and gastric diseases. At the present time the following conclusions can be drawn: Submucous tumors can be clearly demonstrated and unequivocally distinguished from extramural compressions. Although the EUS aspect does not allow to differentiate benign from malignant lesions, EUS findings can give hints as to the nature of a submucous tumor (leiomyoma, lipoma, cyst). The main indication for EUS ist local tumor staging. The pT stage of esophageal carcinoma can be assessed correctly in 84% (73 to 92%) and that of gastric carcinoma in 80% (69 to 92%) of the cases by EUS. Especially in early tumor stages, EUS is superior to computed tomography. Regional lymph node metastases can be visualized in 70 to 90% of the cases. EUS is also helpful in the follow-up of patients with operative resection of esophageal cancer and in patients with gastric non-Hodgkin lymphoma during radio-/chemotherapy.