Modified Soft-Balloon Methods During Ultrasonic Probe Examination for Superficial Esophageal Cancer

Abstract

Background and Study Aims: In ultrasonic probe studies for early-stage esophageal cancer the original soft-balloon method utilizing a condom had succeeded in obtaining a clear and reproducible picture by keeping deaerated water in a condom; however, the condom, which covered the endoscope lens, eliminated the usual endoscopic sight. Therefore, the authors endeavored to develop a modified method which enables both normal endoscopic observation and ultrasonic probe study with only a single insertion of the endoscope. Patients and Methods: Thirty-one patients with superficial esophageal cancer were included in this pilot study. As modifications of the soft-balloon technique, two novel methods of ‘wrapping’ and ‘imagination’ were developed. Results: These modifications are considered to have solved the above-mentioned problem and enable one to acquire both normal endoscopic photos and ultrasonic probe images during the same insertion of the endoscope. Conclusion: In a pilot study novel modifications improved the method of ultrasonic probe study for superficial esophageal cancer.