[Endoscopy and biopsy of the pancreatic duct--a new method of pancreas diagnosis].

Newly developed endoscopes make it possible to inspect the major papilla, the pancreatic and choledochal ducts without previous papillotomy. First results of this new method in surgical specimens and patients are presented. Ductal dilatations, and irregularities as well as secretion plugs and calcifications are characteristic phenomenons of chronic pancreatitis; the diagnosis of a malignant pancreatic tumour can be made by observing an irregular compression of the pancreatic duct and the infiltration of its wall. Perhaps by this method precursors of ductal pancreatic cancer will be recognized. We assume that ERCP will be supported by this method.