Assessing the Optimal Method of Delivering Results After Endoscopic Ultrasound Guided Fine Needle Aspiration of Suspected Pancreatic Cancer

Abstract

Introduction: The optimal way to deliver results of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) of suspected pancreatic masses is unknown. Some centers receive preliminary results the day of the procedure but only convey final results to patients, and some centers do not receive preliminary results. Our center receives preliminary results, and provides these results to patients in the recovery area of the Endoscopy center prior to discharge. The aims of this study were to 1) learn patients' preference for receiving EUS FNA results, and 2) for patients who receive preliminary results, determine if they remember accurately what they were told. Methods: Consecutive patients referred for EUS FNA for possible pancreatic cancer were prospectively enrolled in the study. A pre-procedure survey assessed patients' knowledge about what test they were having, why they were having it and what they understood about the possible findings, as well as their preference for receiving results. This survey was administered prior to the procedure and prior to a discussion with the endoscopist. Patients were contacted by phone the day after the exam and asked if they remembered what test they had, why they had it, and what findings had been communicated to them the day before. A third survey was administered one week later during the phone call to communicate final cytology results. The survey was administered before the results were given, and asked the same questions as the one-day post procedure survey. Results: 10 women and 12 men were consecutively enrolled in the study. The average age was 65 years. The average number of school years completed was 10. The average pre-procedure anxiety score was 3.15 (0 = not at all, 5 = extremely). 12 of 22 (55%) patients knew they were having a biopsy/sample, 16 of 22 (73%) knew cancer/mass/growth/tumor was suspected. 20 of 22 (91%) wanted preliminary results the same day as the test and final results by phone one week later. 11 of 15 (73%) knew the correct preliminary diagnosis one day post-procedure, and 15 of 18 (83%) knew the correct preliminary diagnosis one week later (before given final results). Conclusions: Most patients referred to our institution for EUS FNA of possible pancreatic cancers prefer to receive preliminary results the same day, and receive final results by phone one week later. The large majority of patients in this study correctly remembered the preliminary diagnosis they were given.