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Updated: 12/12/06 08:23 AM |
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Gastrointestinal endoscopy plays an integral role in the management of patients with pancreatic cancer. Endoscopic ultrasound is a noninvasive test that is more accurate than CT and MRI scanning for staging the local extent of disease and resectability. A tissue diagnosis can also usually be confirmed using endoscopic ultrasound guided biopsy of the pancreas. Endoscopic ultrasound can also allow placement of a needle into the celiac plexus for injection of alcohol to relieve pain caused by pancreatic cancer.
Patients with pancreatic cancer often present with jaundice. This can cause itching and discomfort which is relieved by placing a stent or tube in the bile duct using endoscopy. If the cancer blocks the intestine, a tube can also be placed using endoscopy to relieve the obstruction and allow the patient to eat. Both of these treatments are done through an instrument placed through the patient's mouth on an outpatient basis. Recovery time is much faster using these endoscopic methods when compared to surgery.
We have expert endoscopists who routinely perform all of these endoscopic procedures. They are also developing new endoscopic devices and conducting research studies to improve the diagnostic and treatment capabilities of endoscopy for patients with pancreatic cancer.
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