A pancreatic biopsy is a diagnostic procedure used to obtain tissue samples from the pancreas for further examination under a microscope. It is typically performed to investigate suspected pancreatic diseases such as pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis, or autoimmune pancreatitis. The biopsy allows for a definitive diagnosis by analyzing the cellular composition of the pancreatic tissue, identifying any abnormal changes or lesions that may be present.

There are several methods for obtaining pancreatic tissue samples:

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration (EUS-FNA)

This is the most common technique for pancreatic biopsy. It involves using an endoscope with an attached ultrasound probe to visualize the pancreas from within the stomach or duodenum. A thin needle is then passed through the endoscope and into the pancreas under ultrasound guidance to extract small tissue samples.

Percutaneous Biopsy

In cases where EUS-FNA is not feasible or inconclusive, a percutaneous biopsy may be performed. This involves inserting a needle through the skin and into the pancreas under imaging guidance (such as CT scan or ultrasound) to obtain tissue samples.

Surgical Biopsy

In some situations, especially if a larger tissue sample is needed or if there are concerns about the accuracy of less invasive methods, a surgical biopsy (such as laparoscopic or open biopsy) may be performed. This involves making an incision to directly access and remove a portion of pancreatic