Knowledge of Indications for Endoscopic Ultrasound among Egyptian Gastroenterologists and Non- Gastroenterologists

Background: The level of awareness of the indications for EUS is unknown in Egypt. The aim of this study is to assess knowledge of the indications for EUS among both gastroenterologists and non-gastroenterologists in Egypt. Patients and Methods: A questionnaire was designed that tested knowledge of the indications for EUS with respect to 4 organ systems: esophagus, gastro duodenum, hepatopancreatobiliary system and colorectum. The questionnaire was distributed manually to medical and surgical gastroenterologists and nongastroenterologists in Mansoura hospitals. Results: The survey was distributed to 272 physicians (68 for each group, CI: 90%). The median of the total score varied by specialty, with a higher score for medical gastroenterologists (66%) compared with medical nongastroenterologists (56%), surgical gastroenterologists (64%), and surgical non-gastroenterologists (60%). For each physician group, the ranking of EUS knowledge with respect to the 4 anatomical areas was as the following: the gastroduodenum was always highest (mean 75% correct), followed by hepatopancreatobiliary system (68.2%), esophagus (60%), and colorectum (40%), which was the lowest. Conclusion: Both gastroenterologist and non-gastroenterologist in Egypt have moderate knowledge of the indications and the utility of EUS. Knowledge was at the lowest level for esophagus and colorectal applications. Future studies should be aimed at devising methods for the education of nongastroenterologists, with a primary focus on the role of EUS in the esophagus and the colorectum for both gastroenterologists and non-gastroenterologists and assess the impact of such education on the appropriateness of EUS referral patterns.