An expanded training program for endosonographers improved self-diagnosed accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology of the pancreas.

OBJECTIVE: Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) of cytologic adequacy improves the diagnostic yield of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). However, on-site advice from a cytotechnologist or cytopathologist is not always available during EUS-FNA. To enhance endosonographers' ability to assess the adequacy of EUS-FNA specimens, we designed an intensive, 2-h interactive training program. The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of the program.

METHODS: Four cytological pictures were selected by a trained cytotechnologist and board-certified cytopathologist from each of the seven patients who underwent EUS-FNA for pancreatic mass in Okayama University Hospital. In total, 28 pictures were used in this study. Twenty endosonographers and 14 cytologists with different levels of EUS-FNA experience evaluated cytological pictures independently before and after the training program.

RESULTS: Endosonographers' skill in evaluating the adequacy of EUS-FNA specimens was significantly improved after the completion of the training program (p < 0.001). In contrast, almost all cytologists correctly judged the adequacy of the specimens before taking the training program.

CONCLUSIONS: This intensive, 2-h interactive training program is useful for endosonographers and capable of improving ROSE of EUS-FNA specimens.