19 G nitinol needle versus 22 G needle for transduodenal endoscopic ultrasound-guided sampling of pancreatic solid masses: a randomized study.

Background: The aim of this prospective multicenter study was to compare a flexible 19 G needle with nitinol shaft (19 G Flex) with a standard 22 G needle for transduodenal endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided sampling of pancreatic head tumors.

Methods: Patients with pancreatic head tumors requiring tissue diagnosis were randomized into two arms: puncture with either a 19 G Flex needle or a 22 G needle. The primary end point was diagnostic accuracy for malignancy.

Follow-up of patients with hyperplastic polyps of the large bowel.

Background: Adenomatous colonic polyps are accepted as premalignant lesions. There is controversy regarding the significance of the hyperplastic polyp. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of further polyps in patients with only hyperplastic polyps on a first colonoscopy in comparison with patients without polyps and with adenomatous polyps.