[CT-guided biopsies, drainage and and percutaneous gastrostomies: comparison of punctures with and without CT...

The purpose of this prospective and randomized study was to compare two CT guidance techniques (CT-fluoroscopy/conventional CT) on percutaneous biopsies, drainages and gastrostomies.

78 CT-guided interventions (29 biopsies, 38 drainages, 8 gastrostomies) were recorded and the Mann-Whitney U-test was applied. In 3 cases both guidance techniques were used. Procedure times, yields and radiation doses were analyzed.

All 38 drainages and all 8 gastrostomies were successfully applied. 13 biopsies with conventional CT guidance (n = 15) and 13 biopsies with CT-fluoroscopy (n = 14) showed a representative histopathologic result. The procedure times were not significantly different (drainages: p = 0.658, biopsies: p = 0.431, gastrostomies: p > 0.06). The radiation doses (CTID1) of the biopsies and drainages showed significantly higher values (drainages p < 0.001, biopsies p < 0.001) with CT-fluoroscopy than with conventional CT. There were no significant differences in gastrostomy procedures (p > 0.06).

Procedure times and yields were not improved by using CT-fluoroscopy. Radiation doses showed significantly higher values with CT-fluoroscopy than with conventional CT guidance. CT-fluoroscopy was advantageous in non-compliant patients over conventional CT guidance.