Endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) in pelvic disorders

Abstract

Endorectal ultrasound (ERUS) imaging is a complex process using electronic devices to control ultrasound waves and produce images of anatomic structures. It is a simple, cheep and well-tolerated procedure that provides excellent images of rectal and anal canal wall and pelvic floor muscles together with surrounding organs and tissues. The direct imaging of anal canal and pelvic floor muscles with surrounding tissues allows one to identify sphincter defects, anorectal abscesses and fistulas as well as great variety of benign and malignant pathology of the pelvis. Basically, techniques for ERUS are very similar, but there are some slight modifications regarding equipment, indications, and localization of pathologic process. We describe the technique, indications, results and pitfalls of ERUS with the Bruel & Kjaer type 1850 endosonic probe with 7 and 10 MHz transducers in benign pelvic disorders. .