Which procedures are often used together in gastrointestinal diagnostics?

The use of Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) together in gastrointestinal diagnostics is a common practice for several reasons. EUS provides high-resolution images of the gastrointestinal tract and surrounding structures, which helps in assessing conditions such as tumors, cysts, and inflammation.

When EUS is performed, it can facilitate the identification of abnormalities that may require further intervention, such as stone removal or stent placement in the bile or pancreatic ducts, which is where ERCP comes in. ERCP is a therapeutic procedure that allows for both the diagnosis and treatment of bile duct and pancreatic duct abnormalities. The combination of EUS and ERCP allows for a comprehensive approach, where EUS can guide therapies performed during the ERCP procedure, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy.

This synergistic relationship makes the pairing particularly valuable and widely used in clinical practice, as they complement each other's strengths.