Gastrointestinal ultrasound (GIUS) is a non-invasive abdominal ultrasound principally utilized as an accurate diagnostic imaging tool for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The indications for intestinal ultrasound include inflammatory bowel disease, assessment of functional bowel complaints and general gastroenterological conditions such as diverticular disease.
Monash Health runs three GIUS lists per week by gastroenterologists Dr Edward Shelton, Dr Ray Boyapati and Dr Ralley Prentice.
Why gastrointestinal ultrasound?
Treatment targets for IBD are increasingly directed towards mucosal healing. Intestinal ultrasound is the ideal tool to assess IBD patients for healing of their bowel and complements other investigations such as pathology, stool testing and endoscopy.
GIUS is able to assess for bowel wall thickness, wall stratification, colour doppler signal, mesenteric hyperechogenicity, lymph nodes and bowel wall peristalsis. Additionally, complications for IBD can be evaluated including strictures, fistulae and abscesses.
GIUS is performed by a gastroenterologist with an expertise in IBD and GIUS. It is a preferred method for patients as it is non-invasive, does not require any preparation and the results are available immediately and can be discussed with the gastroenterologist at the time of the investigation.
