Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas: is the puzzle solved?

Endoscopic techniques for diagnosis and therapy of pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas is a cystic neoplasm with potential malignancy. In the past, screening of IPMN depended on traditional imaging examinations, such as transabdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT). With the development of endoscopic techniques, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and other endoscopic techniques are becoming significant diagnostic methods for IPMN. Meanwhile, endoscopic interventional therapy with the advantage of minimal invasiveness has been used to treat some patients who cannot tolerate or refuse surgery. This paper elucidates the advances in diagnosis and therapy of pancreatic IPMNs using endoscopic techniques.