Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy in patients with unexplained diffuse gastrointestinal wall thickening

Background and study aims Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) is recommended after non-diagnostic biopsy in gastrointestinal wall thickening, although the performance of currently available FNB needles in this setting is unknown. We aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy and safety of EUS-FNB and to evaluate the "T" wall staging in malignant pathology. Patients and methods This was a single center retrospective study that included all consecutive patients undergoing EUS-FNB for diffuse gastrointestinal wall thickening with at least one previous negative conventional endoscopic biopsy between January 2016 and November 2019. EUS-FNB was performed using linear-array echoendoscopes with slow-pull/fanning technique. Tissue acquisition was done with 19- or 22-gauge biopsy needles. Samples were included in formalin without rapid on-site evaluation and submitted for histopathological processing. The final diagnosis was based on conclusive histology or absence of evidence of disease progression after follow-up at least 6 months. Results Twenty-nine patients (21 men), with a median age of 68 (IQR: 56–77), were included. EUS-FNB was technically feasible and the sample quality was adequate for full histological assessment in all patients (100 %). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and overall accuracy for diagnosis of malignancy were 95.5 %, 100 %, 100 %, 83.3 %, and 96.3 %, respectively. In patients with malignant disease, the samples obtained allowed detection of signs of deep layer infiltration (“histological staging”) in 17 of 21 cases (81 %). No adverse events were noted. Conclusions The EUS-FNB technique demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance and safety in the study of unexplained diffuse gastrointestinal wall thickening. Histological staging was obtained in a high percentage of samples.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma from a surgical perspective

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) accounts for more than 90% of pancreatic cancers. Whilst most patients present with locally advanced or metastatic disease, a minority are candidates for curative-intent resection. This review covers the aspects of PDAC which are relevant to the surgeon. Firstly, an up-to-date overview of epidemiology, risk factors and pathogenesis are provided. Secondly, presentation, diagnosis and staging are covered, including a summary of the most recent staging guidelines. The review will then focus on the historical background of the pancreatico-duodenectomy (PD), the modern procedure and post-operative care. Finally, short sections provide the reader with an update on histological staging and adjuvant treatment.