Transabdominal ultrasound is accepted in clinical practice as a primary imaging procedure in the diagnostic work-up and follow-up of a number of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the use of ultrasound in the imaging of acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, as well as of neoplastic and infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The book explains specific ultrasound features of gastrointestinal disorders, and appraises the value and limits of ultrasound. Each chapter offers a description of findings obtained with ultrasound, and includes consideration of alternative diagnostic imaging methods for comparative purposes. The discussion extends to relevant technical developments and applications, such as functional and 3D ultrasound, contrast agents and operative ultrasound. The contributors are considered authorities in their specific fields. The book is up-to-date with the latest innovations, and includes many high-quality illustrations.