Diagnosis of carcinoma of the papilla of Vater by duodenofiberscopy: simultaneous attempt on endoscopic observation, aspiration cytology, retrograde pancreatocholangiography and biopsy

Abstract

Clinical features and validity of a duodenofiberscopic examination for the diagnosis of carcinoma of the papilla of Vater were evaluated on 13 cases preoperatively diagnosed endoscopically. Followings are the conclusions derived. 1) Average age was 59.8 years. Incidence was equal among men and women. 2) As initial symptoms, general fatigue and easy fatigability or symptoms of cholangitis should be emphasized. 3) Other important symptoms include jaundice, fever with chills and weight loss. Abdominal pain, when present, was noted as one of symptoms of cholangitis in most cases. 4) Important laboratory findings include elevated serum bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, positive occult blood in stool. 5) Carcinomas of the papilla of Vater were divided into 3 types (type I, II and III) according to endoscopical and pathological findings. Clinical features and laboratory findings were discussed in relation to the type of lesions. Characteristic endoscopic findings of each type of the lesions were described. Validity of aspiration cytology, pancreatocholangiography and biopsy under duodeno-fiberscopic observation was also discussed. As a result, duodenofiberscopy was considered to be the most useful method for the diagnosis of carcinoma of the papilla of Vater because it provides us with an opportunity to perform simultaneously an endoscopic observation, aspiration cytology, pancreatocholangiography and biopsy.