UTILITY AND CHALLENGES OF PANCREATOBILIARY EUS IN CLINICS: FOCUS ON EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF PANCREATIC CANCER

Abstract

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) plays a critical role in the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. However, most EUS procedures are performed at major hospitals, where increasing examination volumes have resulted in greater workloads and longer waiting times. This article summarizes the role of EUS in the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, the current status of hospital-clinic collaboration, and the significance and challenges of introducing EUS into clinics. The availability of EUS in clinics may facilitate the rapid evaluation and diagnosis of high-risk patients, shorten the interval from diagnosis to treatment initiation, and reduce the burden on major hospitals. However, several challenges remain, including substantial capital investment, difficulties in securing specialists, and limited supporting evidence. Future advances in community-based systems for the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer are expected through expanded insurance coverage, enhanced image sharing, and broader adoption of AI-assisted diagnostic technologies.