The development and evolution of a tertiary pancreaticobiliary endoscopic ultrasound service: lessons learned

This article reviews the development of the hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) service at Freeman Hospital and seeks to identify from our experience learning points for good practice and pitfalls to avoid. The Freeman HPB EUS service has expanded rapidly over the past 10 years in response to the consolidation of cancer care and aligned to the needs of the cancer network. Effective multidisciplinary teamwork and increased subspecialisation by the endosonographers has allowed the efficient use of capacity and development of skills. Mechanisms for monitoring diagnostic performance put in place at the outset of the EUS-fine needle aspiration programme have helped to identify interventions that have led to improved test performance. An excellent working relationship between all stakeholders is critical to the success of such a service as is a preparedness to seek and respond to the views of patients and referrers.