Aspiration biopsy cytology of the pancreas

The cytology of benign and neoplastic conditions of the pancreas in fine needle aspirates is reviewed. A series of 40 fine needle biopsies of the pancreas performed at Karolinkska Hospital, Stockholm, in the period 1969--1978 confirms that the method is virtually free from complications. The diagnostic accuracy of peroperative fine needle aspiration of pancreatic carcinoma was 82% and for transbdominal aspiration 71%. No false positive diagnoses were noted. The most important factors influencing diagnostic accuracy are experience with correct biopsy technique, multiple punctures and tumor size.