Tips for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of various pancreatic lesions

Abstract

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is a well-established procedure for diagnosis of pancreatic solid masses. This technique is highly accurate and safe and can be performed uneventfully in most cases. However, factors such as unstable scope position, inappropriate location of the lesion, lesion mobility, and lesion characteristics may complicate the procedure. To overcome such difficulties, it is necessary to select the most suitable needle and consider several technical points according to each situation. We introduce our standard technique for EUS-FNA and provide several tips for ensuring a successful procedure. © 2013 Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery.