Endoscopic ultrasound combines the advantages of the two medical disciplines endoscopy and ultrasonography. The ultrasound transducer is integrated in the distal end of the endoscope which allows the close positioning of the transducer at the region of interest, one important factor of the unrivalled resolution of the EUS image.

Upper GI tract bleeding can be caused by gastro-duodenal ulcers, inflammatory processes (such as gastritis, oesophagitis or duodenitis), varices, ruptures (e.g. Mallory Weiss tear), malignant tumours, vascular malformations (e.g. Dieulafoy lesions) and after treatment (e.g. after polypectomy, mucosectomy, endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection).

Balloon dilation is a useful and non-invasive means of overcoming gastrointestinal strictures from a variety of causes. Olympus offers an extensive array of balloon dilators for a range of anatomical situations.

Tissue sampling may be used when a suspicious lesion is detected visually or with narrow band imaging during endoscopy. If further investigation of suspicious lesions is required, it will be necessary to obtain a tissue sample for pathological analysis.

Patients may swallow or inhale a wide variety of items, which then require removal from their gastrointestinal or respiratory tracts. Items commonly requiring removal include spoons, stones, coins, needles, batteries, razor blades, small bones and stents. Removal of foreign bodies by endoscopy is a safe and efficient technique. It is also relatively comfortable for the patient.

Diagnosis of occult bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract can be difficult. Two approaches for the diagnosis of obscure bleeding are capsule endoscopy and single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE).

Many patients referred for colonoscopy are fearful about experiencing pain during the procedure. As a result, a growing number of centres are introducing concepts aimed at alleviating patient concerns about the procedure.