Background and Study Aims: Laparoscopic ultrasonography (LUS) is an important imaging modality during laparoscopic
staging of intra-abdominal malignancies, but LUS-assisted biopsy is often difficult
or impossible. We report a newly developed inbuilt biopsy system for direct LUS-guided
fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and Tru-cut biopsies.
Patients and Methods: LUS-guided biopsy was performed in 20 patients with upper gastrointestinal tract
tumors. The biopsied lesions had either not been previously detected by other imaging
modalities or had been inaccessible, or the biopsy sample had been inadequate. Primary
diagnosis, duration of biopsy procedure, needle monitoring (visibility, penetration,
and deviation), complications, technical failures, and pathological findings were
prospectively recorded.
Results: 44 biopsies were performed with 25 needles (19, 20, and 22-G). Needle monitoring
and penetration were good or acceptable in 18 patients (90 %). Slight needle deviation
(< 10 mm) was seen in eight patients (40 %). The LUS-guided biopsy specimen was sufficient
for analysis in 13 patients (65 %). In two additional patients, adequate material
was obtained, but pathological examination was impossible owing to incorrect handling
of the specimen. The biopsy procedures lasted 16.3 minutes (range 10 - 20 minutes)
and no complications were seen.
Conclusions: LUS-guided fine-needle aspiration or Tru-cut biopsy is possible using this newly
developed biopsy system. These preliminary data suggest that LUS-guided biopsy may
further improve the diagnostic possibilities of LUS.
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M. B. Mortensen, M.D., Ph.D.
Dept. of Surgical Gastroenterology
Odense University Hospital
Sdr. Boulevard
5000 Odense C
Denmark
Fax: Fax:+ 45-65-919872
Email: E-mail:m.bau@dadlnet.dk
