Laparoscopic four-way ultrasound probe with histologic biopsy facility using a flexible tru-cut needle

Laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS) is widely used in the staging of upper gastrointestinal malignancies. However, accurate N-staging and pathological confirmation of metastases have proved difficult. A new four-way laparoscopic ultrasound probe has been developed. The probe has a biopsy attachment with a needle guide for a flexible tru-cut needle or an aspiration needle. It is now possible to take real-time laparoscopic ultrasound guided biopsies. Furthermore, there is a possibility for interventionel LUS with tumor destruction, celiac plexus neurolysis, and cyst aspiration. In this short technical note, the equipment and the technique are described.