86
Views
163
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Article

Forceps Biopsy and Brush Cytology during Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography for the Diagnosis of Biliary Stenoses

, , , , , & show all
Pages 363-368 | Received 16 Jul 1996, Accepted 12 Nov 1996, Published online: 08 Jul 2009
 

Abstract

Background: For evaluating pancreaticobiliary stenoses during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) tissue sampling techniques may be important. Brush cytology and forceps biopsy during ERCP are two potential, but so far only incompletely evaluated, tools for the diagnosis of malignant biliary or pancreatic stenoses. Methods: Between 1992 and 1995 we acquired 133 cytologic and/or histologic samples from 119 patients who underwent ERCP because of biliary duct stenoses. Sixteen patients had to be excluded from the study due to insufficient follow-up information. After papillotomy, brush cytology was performed in 65 cases (63 patients), and forceps biopsy in 119 cases (106 patients) under fluoroscopic guidance. Both methods were applied in combination 51 times (48 patients). The nature of the stenoses was confirmed by surgery, autopsy, or by the subsequent clinical course. Results: The sensitivity was 46.7% for brush cytology and 64.9% for forceps biopsy. The combined application of both methods resulted in superior sensitivity (70.4%). Specificity was 100% for all methods. Conclusions: These numbers lead us to recommend a combined and more frequent application of brush cytology and forceps biopsy of bile duct stenoses to enhance the diagnostic yield whenever substantial influence on therapy can be expected.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.