ENDOSCOPY AND INTRADUCTAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY

Because the prognosis in pancreatic carcinoma is so poor, a reliable m ethod for early detection of tumors is needed. Endoscopic ultrasonogra phy (EUS) is a useful method for precise diagnosis of pancreatic tumor s. Recently, peroral pancreatoscopy (POPS) and intraductal ultrasonogr aphy (IDUS) have been introduced to make a more detailed diagnosis of pancreatic tumors. These three techniques were performed in 48 patient s with pancreatic carcinoma. The ultrasonographic and endoscopic findi ngs of pancreatic carcinoma were studied. EUS, IDUS, and POPS are very useful for differentiating between benign and malignant pancreatic tu mors. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.