Endoscopic ultrasound.

Endoscopic ultrasound was introduced in the early 1980s. Today, endoscopic ultrasound remains the most accurate modality for local staging of gastrointestinal cancers but the emphasis is now on what findings will impact patient care. At the same time, a new era of interventional endoscopic ultrasound that might also be called image-directed therapies is emerging. The future looks bright for the further application of endoscopic ultrasound in gastrointestinal endoscopy. This article provides the current status and a glimpse into the future of endoscopic ultrasound.