Referrals for bowel ultrasound in clinical practice: a survey in 12 nationwide centres in Italy.
BACKGROUND
The value of ultrasound (US) in assessing gastrointestinal diseases is well documented, but its demand in clinical practice is unknown. This survey evaluated the demand for bowel US in Italy.


METHODS
Twelve sonographers of the Gastroenterology Section of the Italian Society of Ultrasound participated in a 1-month survey; they compiled a questionnaire assessing total number of patients referred for abdominal US and for gastrointestinal tract US, type of referring physician, indications and results of examinations.


RESULTS
The survey included 2424 examinations, 586 of which (24%) investigated the gastrointestinal tract: 280 for signs or symptoms and 268 for follow-up of pre-existing gastrointestinal diseases. Referring physicians were mainly gastroenterologists (78%) and general practitioners (13%). Organic lesions were found or suspected in 292 examinations.


CONCLUSIONS
Bowel US is used in Italy in routine practice, mainly by gastroenterologists and general practitioners, both for follow-up of pre-existing diseases and for gastrointestinal complaints.
Maconi
Giovanni
G
Department of Clinical Sciences, L Sacco University Hospital, Milan, Italy. giovanni.maconi@unimi.it
Terracciano
Fulvia
F
de Sio
Ilario
I
Rigazio
Caterina
C
Roselli
Paola
P
Radice
Elisa
E
Castellano
Luigi
L
Farci
Fabio
F
Francica
Giampiero
G
Giannetti
Andrea
A
Marcucci
Federico
F
Dalaiti
Andrea
A
Badini
Matteo
M
Fraquelli
Mirella
M
Massironi
Sara
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005762:Gastroenterology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007422:Intestines / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014463:Ultrasonography