Definitive diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma with percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy under ultrasonic guidance.

Abstract

Definitive diagnosis of pancreatic cancer presents difficulties in that positive identification is often possible only by intraoperative biopsy. Recently, ultrasonic visualization of the pancreas has made preoperative diagnosis possible by furnishing a guide to percutaneous biopsy via a flexible 23-gauge, 0.6 mm. needle.