Published online Nov 28, 2015. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i44.12544
Peer-review started: May 11, 2015
First decision: September 11, 2015
Revised: September 28, 2015
Accepted: October 12, 2015
Article in press: October 13, 2015
Published online: November 28, 2015
Processing time: 203 Days and 2 Hours
The diagnosis and staging of various gastrointestinal malignancies have been made possible with the use of endoscopic ultrasound, which is a relatively safe procedure. The field of endoscopic ultrasound is fast expanding due to advancements in therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound. Though various studies have established its role in gastrointestinal malignancies and pancreatic conditions, its potential in the field of hepatic lesions still remains vastly untapped. In this paper the authors attempt to review important and landmark trials, case series and case studies involving hepatic applications of endoscopic ultrasound, thus not only providing an overview of utilization of endoscopic ultrasound in various liver conditions but also speculating its future role.
Core tip: To review the available published trials, case series and case reports, discuss the implications and the future role of endoscopic ultrasound in the management of various liver conditions. Through this review paper we aim to provide a unified one stop educational experience as we have attempted to amalgamate all the published data.