Sigmoid endometriosis diagnosed preoperatively using endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration

Diagnosis by Endoscopic Ultrasonography-Guided Sampling through the Lower Gastrointestinal Tract

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration/biopsy (EUS-FNA/FNB) is very safe and has a high diagnostic rate for upper gastrointestinal lesions, especially pancreatic lesions, but its application in the lower gastrointestinal tract has rarely been reported. Due to the tortuous course of the colorectum, with the sigmoid colon particularly prone to perforation, most endoscopists are reluctant to perform lateral-sector endoscopic ultrasound scanning without a water-bag protection for the puncture. The ultrasonic endoscopy and flexible puncture needle techniques recently introduced into clinical practice have made ultrasound-guided puncture safer and more convenient. In addition, endoscopists have carefully tested various protective measures to improve the safety of the lower gastrointestinal puncture, substantially increasing its clinical feasibility. In this article, we review the iterations of endoscopic ultrasound equipment introduced in recent years and the many ingenious ideas proposed by endoscopists regarding lower gastrointestinal puncture.

Diagnosis of Bowel Endometriosis Using Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Fine Needle Aspiration

Endometriosis is a relatively common gynecological condition in women of reproductive age. The rectosigmoid region is the most commonly affected segment when the gastrointestinal tract is involved. A differential diagnosis of colorectal neoplasia is difficult because of the similar clinical, endoscopic, and radiology findings. A 42-year-old female presented with abdominal distention and was subsequently diagnosed with a large bowel obstruction in the rectum. A temporary colostomy was performed, and endoscopy revealed a rectal mass obstructing the rectum. The biopsy showed normal mucosa, and it was difficult to exclude rectal malignancies even after the imaging workup. Endoscopic ultrasound demonstrated a hypoechoic lesion below the rectal mucosa, and fine needle aspiration confirmed the diagnosis of bowel endometriosis. Bowel endometriosis is a challenging diagnosis. Endoscopic ultrasound- guided fine-needle aspiration is useful for acquiring adequate samples for histological confirmation and a definitive diagnosis of bowel endometriosis.

Diagnostic value of endoscopic ultrasonography in pelvic masses with bowel involvement

Benign and malignant pelvic masses with or without intestinal invasion are common in women of childbearing age. Patients may have nonspecific symptoms and signs or experience no symptoms. Laparoscopic resection of pelvic masses is currently the mainstream treatment; therefore, accurate preoperative evaluation is not only essential for patients suspected of having intestinal invasion, but also extremely important for the selection of follow-up treatment. Procedures, including endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), pelvic magnetic resonance imaging, abdominal computed tomography, vaginal ultrasonography, barium enema, and colonoscopy, aid in determining the presence, depth, and histology of the disease. In particular, the wide application and continuous developments in EUS techniques have improved the diagnostic accuracy for intestinal subepithelial and peripheral organ lesions. This article reviewed the clinical value of EUS in the diagnosis of benign and malignant pelvic masses with bowel involvement.