The Pancreas and Biliary Program provides a full range of endoscopic procedures and treatment in a state of-the-art facility. In addition to endoscopy and colonoscopy, advanced procedures are provided by a specialized service.
Blake 4
Massachusetts General Hospital
55 Fruit Street
Phone: (617) 724-0578
Fax: (617) 724-5997
Staff
Brenna Bounds, MD |
William Brugge, MD (617) 724-0578 |
| Robert Schapiro, MD (617) 726-3524 |
Peter Kelsey, MD (617) 724-6044 |
| David Forcione, MD (617) 724-0607 |
Our Services
Pancreatic-biliary conditions evaluated at the MGH:
- Pancreatic lesions
- Jaundice
- Bile duct stones
- Pancreatitis
- Cholangitis
- Stent placement
- Pancreatic Cyst
Patient Guide to Pancreatic-Biliary Tests
Endoscopic Ultrasound
Endoscopic Ultrasound is an examination of the upper gastrointestinal tract using an ultrasound scope. After topical anesthesia to numb the back of throat and intravenous conscious sedation to make the examination more comfortable, a flexible scope is passed through the mouth and into the intestine. If indicated, a very small sample of tissue (biopsy) may be removed. Alternatives to endoscopy include x-ray studies and surgery. EUS may provide information that cannot be obtained by x-ray. The procedure is generally safe and well tolerated.
Pancreatic CT Scan
A CT Scan is a special xray that uses a computer to see clear pictures of body organs that are not easily seen on a regular xray. A pancreatic CT scan shows more detailed pictures of the pancreas and tumors. Depending on the results of your procedure, follow-up may be recommended.
Why do I need another CT scan?
A specialized pancreatic CT scan is used to obtain detailed images of the pancreas and tumors. This test may be requested by your physician before surgery.
What is a pancreatic biopsy?
When an abnormality is seen in the pancreas, a biopsy may be done to see if there is a tumor or inflammation in the pancreas. A biopsy is a small sample of tissue that is sent to a pathologist for examination under a microscope. A growth of the pancreas is almost always biopsied. Pancreatic cysts are also sampled, and the fluid is sent for analysis. If abnormal lymph nodes are found, these may be biopsied.
How will I feel after a pancreatic biopsy?
Most patients feel fine after a biopsy. Some experience a mild belly ache for about a day. Often there is a mild sore throat resulting from the passage of the scope. The sedatives used during the procedure may make you sleepy for several hours. If you develop a lot of pain or fever, please contact your doctor.
Will the biopsy spread the tumor?
In the past, pancreatic biopsies were taken during a CT scan. A long needle was passed through several organs of the abdomen in order to reach the pancreas. In a small number of cases, there was some tumor spread along the path of the needle. With endoscopic ultrasound, there is very little risk of spread. The needle passes through very little tissue and no other organs are touched.
How will I get the results?
You may get the results of pancreatic biopsy by calling your doctor's office in about four days. When you call the office, the assistant will tall you if the results are already available. If the results are ready, the doctor will call you in the evening between 5 and 8 pm. The assistant cannot give you your results. The pathology report will be sent to your referring doctor. If you have contact information for your referring doctors, please share it with us.
Why do I need an antibiotic?
The antibiotic is used to prevent an infection after a biopsy. Not everyone needs an antibiotic after a biopsy. Please start the antibiotic on the same day as the procedure and take all the pills even if you feel well.
What is an ERCP?
This is an endoscopic test done under X-ray. An ERCP is a procedure where a soft rubber scope is placed down your throat and into your stomach. Contact dye is used to see the pancreas and bile ducts. An xray is taken to to see if the bile duct is open and not clogged up. In some cases a small plastic tube called a stent may be placed into the bile duct to keep it open. The may be done to let bile flow freely and relieve jaundice (yellow color). The bile and pancreatic ducts are examined after dye is injected into them the test is often performed to place a stent (a plastic tube) into the bile duct to relieve jaundice. If your stent becomes infected, the stent is replaced using ERCP.
To Learn More
To learn more about pancreatic disease there are many excellent organizations that provide patient education. Here are some websites that you might find useful:
