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A 7.5-MHz linear array ultrasound probe has been developed for the evaluation of solid organs at laparoscopy. Twelve patients with suspected carcinoma of the head of the pancreas, considered at initial investigation to have resectable disease, were submitted to laparoscopy. In 4 patients, diagnostic laparoscopy revealed hepatic metastases (4 patients), peritoneal dissemination of tumor (2), and malignant ascites (1). Laparoscopic ultrasonography demonstrated hepatic metastases in four patients and hepatic cysts in two further patients. Ultrasound evaluation of the pancreas revealed lymphadenopathy (4 patients), local infiltration (2), and portal vein displacement or invasion (4). An anomalous right hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery was identified in one patient. Overall, laparoscopy identified advanced disease in four patients. Laparoscopic ultrasonography, while detecting advanced disease in a further two patients. predicted resectable disease in six patients (50%). Only one of the six patients submitted to laparotomy was found to have irresectable disease due to lymph-node metastases. Laparoscopic ultrasound examination of the pancreas and liver has improved the early staging of pancreatic carcinoma and should be undertaken at an early stage in the management of such patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]