Therapeutic endoscopy in the management of pancreatic cancer
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a safe and reliable method for the diagnosis, treatment, and palliation of pancreaticobiliary malignancy. In 2015, the estimated new cases of pancreatic cancer were about 48,960. The 5-year survival of pancreatic cancer is dismal at approximately 5% Siegel et al. (CA: Cancer J Clin 65(1):5-29, 2015). ERCP provides less invasive approaches to diagnosis with examination of the biliary and pancreatic ducts. The procedure also allows for therapeutic relief of biliary obstruction. Advanced endoscopic techniques offer palliation of symptoms related to advanced pancreatic cancer and improvement in quality of life. This chapter addresses the use of therapeutic endoscopy in the diagnosis and management of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.