Editing Gastroenterology (section)

=== Ultrasound and Bowel Ultrasound ===

[[Ultrasound]] has become a standard tool in many medical settings. Its widespread availability, affordability, safety, and lack of radiation have established it as a common initial diagnostic method. In gastroenterology, ultrasound is highly accurate in diagnosing various conditions (e.g., [[Appendicitis]], [[Diverticulitis]]). Furthermore, bowel ultrasound is crucial for identifying and managing [[Inflammatory bowel disease]] and their complications, including the early detection of [[Crohn's disease]] recurrence after surgery, as highlighted in the ECCO–ESGAR guidelines.<ref>Maaser, C.; Sturm, A.; Vavricka, S.R.; Kucharzik, T.; Fiorino, G.; Annese, V.; Calabrese, E.; Baumgart, D.C.; Bettenworth, D.; Borralho Nunes, P.; et al. ECCO-ESGAR Guideline for Diagnostic Assessment in IBD Part 1: Initial diagnosis, monitoring of known IBD, detection of complications. J. Crohn’s Colitis 2019, 13, 144–164.</ref> Modern ultrasound techniques like contrast-enhanced ultrasound offer real-time functional and vascular information, improving diagnostic capabilities. Additionally, operative abdominal ultrasound is increasingly important in minimally invasive interventions, including guided [[Biopsy|biopsies]], drainage, and thermal ablation of liver lesions. 
Nevertheless, the accuracy of ultrasound is operator-dependent, and inadequate training can lead to diagnostic errors.<ref>Wüstner, M.; Radzina, M.; Calliada, F.; Cantisani, V.; Havre, R.F.; Jenderka, K.V.; Kabaalioğlu, A.; Kocian, M.; Kollmann, C.; Künzel, J.; et al. Professional Standards in Medical Ultrasound—EFSUMB Position Paper (Short Version)—General Aspects. Ultraschall Med. 2022, 43, 456–463. </ref> The European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) has established guidelines to define professional standards and the minimum training needed for ultrasound examinations. These guidelines outline three levels of expertise based on anatomical knowledge, the ability to assess diseases using ultrasound, and the volume of exams performed (at least 300 per year for level 1).<ref>Wüstner, M.; Radzina, M.; Calliada, F.; Cantisani, V.; Havre, R.F.; Jenderka, K.V.; Kabaalioğlu, A.; Kocian, M.; Kollmann, C.; Künzel, J.; et al. Professional Standards in Medical Ultrasound—EFSUMB Position Paper (Short Version)—General Aspects. Ultraschall Med. 2022, 43, 456–463</ref>
A recent study indicated that the majority of young Italian gastroenterologists (<40 y.o.) (58.9%) acquired their ultrasound skills during their gastroenterology training. Throughout their training, participants performed a median of 320 abdominal ultrasound examinations and 240 bowel ultrasound examinations.<ref>Cortellini F, Fichera A, Guarino AD, Laterza L, Alemanni LV, Lopetuso L, Marasco G, Costantino A. Abdominal and Bowel Ultrasound Knowledge Among Young Gastroenterologists: Results of an Italian Survey. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2025; 14(8):2693. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14082693</ref>