Abstract
In 1992 Vilmann et al, reported endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) of pancreatic tumors and Grimm et al. reported EUS-guided transmural drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts. Since then, EUS-guided aspiration has been applied in a number of diagnostic and therapeutic methods that have come to be collectively called “Interventional EUS”. Because of its high utility and safety, interventional EUS is widespread mainly in America and Europe. Since the beginning of the New Millennium, Interventional EUS has also been gradually performed in Japan, chiefly in institutions specializing in treating pancreatobiliary diseases, and its utility and safety are being recognized. For pancreatic lesions, Interventional EUS is used in sample collection (e.g., fine-needle aspiration biopsy), injection (e.g., celiac plexus neurolysis), and drainage (e.g., pancreatic pseudocyst drainage and biliary drainage). Interventional EUS has unlimited possibilities. It is especially hoped that further improvements and innovations in this therapy will provide a breakthrough in the treatment of refractory pancreatic cancer.
