DOPPLER ULTRASOUND FOR PREOPERATIVE EVALU ATION OF MALIGNANT-TUMORS IN PANCREATIC HEAD AND LIVER HILUM

Ultrasound is the imaging technique of choice in obstructive jaundice for demonstration of dilatation of the bile ducts, and its position an d cause. In carcinoma of the pancreatic head and in hilar tumours of t he liver (Klatskin) it is often possible to demonstrate their inoperab ility, making other imaging techniques unnecessary. Duplex-Doppler ult rasound can be highly advantageous in the evaluation of compression or invasive growth of the tumour in the mesenterico-portal venous system , making such invasive examination procedures as angiography unnecessa ry.