Ultrasound-guided percutaneous pancreatic biopsy. Indications, performance and complications

The diagnosis of pancreatic masses is often very difficult despite the new developments in imaging methods. As a correct diagnosis has a great impact on the therapy, in certain circumstances it is mandatory to obtain a morphological diagnosis. Although the indications for percutaneous pancreatic biopsy are not standardized, in many circumstances- inoperable pancreatic tumor, suspicion of lymphoma, metastasis or neuroendocrine tumors, differentiation between cystic tumors - a biopsy is clearly indicated. Pancreatic biopsy is usually performed by fine-needles either for cytology or microhistology, the use of larger needles for core biopsy adding a slightly improvement in sensitivity especially in masses from chronic pancreatitis or neuroendocrine tumors. Complications occur seldom, acute pancreatitis and tumoral seeding being the most important. Percutaneous pancreatic biopsy is a safe, flexible and reliable method for diagnosing pancreatic masses