Endoscopic Ultrasound
The Jefferson Endoscopic Ultrasound Center combines the excellence of Physicans and Staff withint the Departments of Gastroenterology, Radiology and Pathology. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has been shown to be the most accurate staging procedure for most gastrointestinal malignancies including esophageal, gastric, pancreatic, ampullary, and rectal cancers. Lymph nodes outside but adjacent to the GI tract may be easily sampled under direct EUS guidance. This includes lymph nodes in the mediastinum, at the celiac axis, and surrounding the rectum. Endoscopic ultrasound provides an excellent way to obtain tissue for the diagnosis of pancreatic tumors and pancreatic cysts. Endoscopic ultrasound is also the most accurate technique for detecting very small stones in the gallbladder and common bile duct stones that may be too small to be seen on other imaging studies. More recently endoscopic ultrasound has been instrumental in allowing gastroenterologists to drain pancreatic pseudocysts into the gastrointestinal tract without the need for surgery or external catheters.

The Jefferson Endoscopic Ultrasound Center has state of the art equipment with entirely new endoscopic ultrasound scopes and processing equipment purchased in spring 2003.

Endoscopic ultrasound procedures will be performed and interpreted by physicians with extensive experience in endoscopic ultrasound. From the Department of Gastroenterology they include Robert Coben, MD, Anthony Infantolino, MD, Leo Katz, MD and Thomas E. Kowalski, MD and David Loren, MD. From the Department of Radiology they include Barry Goldberg, MD, Rick Feld, MD, Larry Needleman, MD and Sharon Siegel, D.O. Dr. Goldberg is internationally renown for his expertise in ultrasonography. The physicians, nurses, cytologists, and technical staff at the Center are all well-trained in endosonography and are dedicated to providing the highest quality care and service in a comfortable and safe environment. Once an endoscopic ultrasound procedure has been completed, a preliminary phone call will be placed to the referring physician with our impression. A formal report with EUS images will follow.

If you have any questions or would like assistance in scheduling an appointment for one of your patients, please call the Jefferson Gastrointestinal Ultrasound Center at 1-877-JEFF-EUS (1-877-533-3387), the Department of Gastroenterology at 215-955-8900.

Dr Infantolino has prepared a  lecture syllabus on endoscopic ultrasound for your review.