The role of endoluminal ultrasonography in urology: current perspectives

Abstract

Endoluminal ultrasonography (ELUS) is a noninvasive diagnostic technique used in urology to image tubular structures of the urinary tract. Through advancements in technology, modern ELUS is able to create three-dimensional images, which provide valuable clinical information for the diagnosis and treatment of urologic disorders. The efficiency and accuracy of this technology is confirmed through validation studies using human and animal models. Although a relatively new method, the clinical application of this technique holds great promise in the field of endourology. The technology, advantages, limitations, validation studies, clinical applications, and future of ELUS are explored through this comprehensive review of current urologic literature.

Three-dimensional Imaging of Ureter With Endoscopic Optical Coherence Tomography

“…Similarly, CT scan with urogram phase has been shown to have limited value in differentiating organ-confined tumors from those that have extended beyond the confines of the ureter1. Endoluminal ultrasound (EUS) was evaluated as a staging tool, but its utility is very limited because the resolution is insufficient to delineate accurately the fine morphological features of the ureteral wall20. The OCT modality presented in this study provides a very promising tool for grading and staging of upper tract urothelial carcinoma without the need of ureteral biopsy, and therefore may completely change the current surgical practice and allow more individualized treatment.…”

High-Frequency Endoluminal Ultrasonography as an Aid to the Staging of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

“…UTUC. [12][13][14][15] Endoluminal ultrasonography for urologic applications has primarily been studied for identifying crossing vessels associated with obstruction of the ureteropelvic junction, as well as for use during stone extraction, with very little data regarding its utility for assessing UTUC. 16 Liu and colleagues 11 evaluated ureteral and renal pelvic neoplasms in 36 patients.…”

“…Other reviews of the literature and initial work using 3-dimensional ELUS have been published, but again, very few patients have undergone pathologic correlation of the imaging findings. 14,15 One reason for the sparse data may be the rarity of this disease, with most of the published data on UTUC consisting of single-center retrospective studies. The rarity of this disease also hinders the clinical evaluation of new techniques and therapies.…”

Comparison of the precision of transurethral endoscopic versus ultrasound‐guided application of injectables

“…ELUS is currently used in the evaluation, diagnosis, and staging of a wide range of urological abnormalities, e.g. SUI [19]. ELUS can be used to directly visualize the sphincter mechanism and identify morphological and functional defects.…”