This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
Preoperative tissue diagnosis for tumours of the pancreas. BJS 2009; 96: 5-20.
Published: 17th November 2008
Authors: W. Hartwig, L. Schneider, M. K. Diener, F. Bergmann, M. W. Büchler, J. Werner et al.
Background
Preoperative biopsy of pancreatic lesions suspected of malignancy is controversial.
Method
A systematic Medline literature search was carried out. Diagnostic studies reporting quantitative preoperative pancreatic biopsy data were evaluated.
Results
The analysis included 53 studies, mostly of a retrospective nature. Despite acceptable rates for sensitivity and specificity, the negative predictive value of percutaneous and endoscopic ultrasonography‐guided biopsies was 60–70 per cent. Biopsy results were considered to be essential for directing non‐surgical therapy in advanced disease. However, they were of limited value in planning the treatment of resectable solid or cystic tumours, or focal lesions in the setting of chronic pancreatitis.