Peroperative pancreatic aspirations.

Peroperative fine needle pancreatic aspirations were performed on 16 patients with suspected pancreatic masses during 1976 and 1977. Seven of the 16 aspirates demonstrated benign cells. Nine of the 16 revealed malignant cells, eight of which could be classified as to tumor type. This procedure provided a definitive diagnosis resulting in the appropriate surgery. The aspiration technique is highly accurate, rapid, uncomplicated and eliminates the problems associated with biopsy of this organ.