Anal and Rectal Endosonography in Clinical Practice: What is the Opinion of Clinicians Regarding Current Indication?

Anal (EcoA) and rectal endosonography (EcoEAR) is a useful test in the evaluation of patients with anorectal pathology. However, there is no clear consensus on its indications. The aim of this study was to determine the opinion of clinicians regarding the current indications and usefulness of this diagnostic test in daily clinical practice. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using a survey sent to the services of General surgery in a specific area of Spain. The clinical usefulness of the test was evaluated using an analog scale from 0 (lowest value) to 10 (maximum utility) for each pathology. Of the 47 hospitals, 23 responded to the questionnaire (48.9%). The average number of ultrasounds performed in these centers was 217 per year (standard deviation: 140.1, range 73–450) during the last 3 years. The most common indications for this test were: rectal tumor (85%), anal fistula (80%), and fecal incontinence (70%). This test was suggested more, depending on availability in the hospital itself. In conclusion, anal and rectal endosonography remains a very useful diagnostic clinical test in the opinion of clinicians in general and digestive surgery, especially in the evaluation of patients with anal fistula, fecal incontinence, or rectal tumors.