Introduction; value of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration

Abstract

Introduction of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to medical practice has brought a huge change in diagnostic algorithm of many gastrointestinal diseases. Addition of EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) upgraded diagnostic power of EUS. In this focused review series, value of EUS-FNA in the diagnosis of various diseases and tips for getting the best results with EUS-FNA are described by four invited authors including myself. First, Dr. Jeong Seop Moon discussed about EUS-FNA in submucosal lesion. He also touched on basic techniques and needles of EUS-FNA in his article. Next, I focused on additional value of EUS-FNA in the staging of hollow viscus cancer to optimize the treatment strategy. World's well-known endosonographer, Dr. Robert H. Hawes kindly presented his profound thoughts on EUS-FNA in pancreatic cystic lesions. Dr. Jayapal Ramesh and Dr. Shyam Varadarajulu shared their valuable tips for getting the best results when using EUS-FNA. Nobody doubts now EUS-FNA is an indispensable procedure in gastrointestinal endoscopy. Therefore, this focused review series will provide the readers with the concentrated knowledge of "What should we know about EUS-FNA." © 2012 Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.