Long Term Outcomes After EUS-guided Ablation for Cystic Tumors of the Pancreas

A curvilinear-array echoendoscope and a 22 gauge needle were then used for cyst fluid aspiration, ethanol lavage and paclitaxel injection. The maximum possible volume of cyst fluid was aspirated, and the needle tip was carefully maintained inside the cyst to avoid parenchymal injury. Ethanol was injected into the collapsed cyst until the original shape was restored, and a lavage was then performed for 3-5 minutes. Pure ethanol (99%) was used for all patients except the first 2 in whom 88% ethanol was used. After reaspiration of the injected ethanol, the cyst cavity was injected with a solution containing 3 mg/mL paclitaxel and the needle then carefully retracted. The high viscosity of paclitaxel necessitated dilution in 0.9% normal saline for administration via a 22G needle. The volume of the paclitaxel solution administered was the same as the volume of the cyst fluid aspirated.