Percutaneous US-guided needle biopsies of solid renal masses

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Percutaneous needle biopsy is crucial for diagnosing solid renal masses.
• Understanding factors influencing diagnostic yield and complications is essential for optimizing patient care.
• Ultrasonography guidance offers a minimally invasive approach for renal mass biopsies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate variables affecting diagnostic yield in percutaneous ultrasonography-guided needle biopsies of solid renal masses.
• To assess complications associated with these biopsies.
• To compare the efficacy and safety of different needle sizes and types.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 120 patients undergoing percutaneous ultrasonography-guided needle biopsy.
• Variables analyzed included patient demographics, mass characteristics, needle size (18G cutting vs. 20G aspiration), and needle passes.
• Diagnostic yield, accuracy, complication rates, and changes in clinical management were assessed.

Main Results:

• Overall diagnostic accuracy was high, with no significant difference between large (18G) and small (20G) needles.
• Kidney side was the only significant predictor affecting accuracy (left vs. right kidney).
• Technical success was 100%, with no major complications or tumor seeding reported. Clinical management changed in 63.3% of cases.

Conclusions:

• Percutaneous ultrasonography-guided needle biopsy is a safe and effective method for diagnosing solid renal masses.
• Kidney side impacts diagnostic accuracy, with lower yield in the left kidney.
• Both large cutting and small aspiration needles are safe and effective, with no significant difference in diagnostic yield.