Peroperative pancreatic aspiration for evaluating pancreatic disease

Nineteen patients who underwent peroperative pancreatic aspiration during 1976 to 1978 were retrospectively compared with 19 other consecutively chosen patients who underwent pancreatic surgery without this procedure in 1973 and 1974. In 18 of the 19 patients who had pancreatic aspiration, an accurate diagnosis was obtained. Three patients in the 1973 to 1974 series had serious postoperative complications attributable to incorrect intraoperative diagnosis and subsequent operative therapy. Peroperative pancreatic aspiration cytology provides a definitive diagnosis that may result in the most efficacious therapy for pancreatic disease.