Endoscopic Evaluation and Therapy of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms

Abstract As the understanding of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) continues to evolve, so too do the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies surrounding its management. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the endoscopic evaluation and therapeutic interventions available for patients with IPMNs. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis and risk stratification of IPMNs. Furthermore, advancements in EUS techniques, such as needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy, contrast-enhanced EUS, and through-the-needle biopsies, provide additional diagnostic precision in the evaluation of IPMNs. The role of therapeutic interventions for IPMNs has emerged over the past decade and includes chemoablation and radiofrequency ablation, which offer minimally invasive alternatives to surgery in select cases. With this progress in endoscopic techniques, endoscopists are better equipped than ever to diagnose, risk-stratify, and treat patients with IPMNs.