Diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in the upper GI tract at the beginning of the learning-curve

The introduction of a new diagnostic method is always a challenge. Although EUS is one of the most difficult diagnostic tools in gastroenterology it became indispensable in the last decade. In Hungary the education of EUS is not organized. We tried to eliminate the lack of a senior endosonographist by close cooperation between the examiners, who are all trainees in this field, but are well-trained endoscopists and experienced ultrasonographers. In the first two months 25 patients (pt) were referred to the EUS laboratory because of upper GI lesions, detected by the endoscopic unit of the department. The examinati…