Adverse events of EUS-guided needle aspiration/needle biopsy for pancreatic lesions

Abstract

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration/biopsy (EUS-FNA/FNB) is widely accepted as a safe and reliable method for the pathologic diagnosis of pancreatic lesions. Although the incidence of adverse events (AEs) associated with EUS-FNA/FNB is low, some AEs have been reported including perforation caused by the EUS scope, puncture-related bleeding, pancreatitis, pancreatic fluid leakage, and infection. Sedation-related AEs such as respiratory depression, circulatory depression, bradycardia, and arrhythmias have also been reported. In addition, there have been reports in recent years of needle tract seeding (NTS) in patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing preoperative transgastric puncture. Although the incidence of AEs is not high, it is essential to recognize and manage potential AEs to perform EUS-FNA/FNB safety.