The accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound for restaging esophageal carcinoma after chemoradiation therapy.

Background: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is an accurate staging modality for esophageal malignancy. Studies have determined that EUS does not retain this accuracy after chemoradiation and that it should not be used as a restaging tool for esophageal carcinoma. In this study, the authors examined their experience with esophageal carcinoma and restaging after neoadjuvant therapy with EUS.

Fine-needle aspiration cytology of mucinous tumors of the pancreas.

Background: Tumors of the pancreas associated with extracellular mucin production include mucin-producing ductal adenocarcinoma, mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN), and intraductal papillary mucinous tumor (IPMT). Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is used as an adjunct to radiologic analysis for the preoperative categorization of these tumors. The current study was designed to identify distinctive cytomorphologic features that would be useful for the categorization of mucinous tumors of the pancreas.

Diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration in patients with presumed pancreatic cancer.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of the pancreas allows the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer to be established without exploratory surgery. We reviewed our recent experience with EUS-FNA in patients with presumed pancreatic cancer and report the diagnostic accuracy and complications of this procedure. Data were reviewed from all patients who presented with CT evidence of a pancreatic mass or a malignant biliary stricture and underwent EUS-FNA at our institution between November 1, 1999, and October 1, 2001.

Management of gallstone pancreatitis: cholecystectomy or ERCP and endoscopic sphincterotomy.

Background: Currently, cholecystectomy is recommended for patients with gallstone-induced pancreatitis. ERCP with endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) within 24 to 48 hours is also suggested for the treatment of acute gallstone pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to determine outcome after cholecystectomy versus ES alone in patients with gallstone pancreatitis.

ERCP, biliary crystal analysis, and sphincter of Oddi manometry in idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis.

Background: This study investigated the role of ERCP, analysis of bile for microcrystals, and sphincter of Oddi manometry in idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis.

Methods: One hundred twenty-six patients met criteria for idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis. Patients with a normal ERCP underwent sphincter of Oddi manometry and analysis of bile.