[Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsy: first experience in Mexico]

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) -guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a recently described diagnostic method that has demonstrated its usefulness in certain clinical conditions.

Descriptive and retrospective analysis of the initial experience with EUS-guided FNA at the Hospital General "Dr Manuel Gea González", during the period between March, 1998 and December, 1999. A Pentax FG 32UA linear echoendoscope was used for all cases, as well as two different types of needles. Procedures were performed under sedation and a cytopathologist was not present during the FNA. The biopsy site, quality of the material obtained, cytological as well as final diagnosis and complications are described.

A total of 40 procedures were done. FNA was performed on the pancreas, esophagus, stomach, duodenum, mediastinum, rectum and lymph nodes. A diagnosis was obtained in 75%. In the remaining cases, the material obtained was either inadequate or insufficient for diagnosis. FNA results were confirmed histologically in all cases that underwent surgery. Complication presented in 2.5%, and consisted of one case of self-limited and clinically irrelevant bleeding. The best results were obtained in lymph nodes, mediastinum, liver and pancreatic tumors.

This study demonstrated the utility of EUS-guided FNA to obtain cytologic material for diagnosis in a high percentage of cases and with minimal complications. Some factors that could lead to better results were also identified.