Initial experience with endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of renal masses: indications, applications and limitations
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Use of Electromagnetic Navigational Transthoracic Needle Aspiration E-TTNA for Sampling of Lung Nodules
Published on: May 23, 2015
Renata Nobre Moura1, Roberto Iglesias Lopes2, Miguel Srougi2
1Departamento de Gastroenterologia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
Context:
Tissue sampling of renal masses is traditionally performed via the percutaneous approach or laparoscopicaly. The utility of endoscopic ultrasound to biopsy renal lesions it remains unclear and few cases have been reported.
Objectives:
To evaluate the feasibility and outcome of endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration of renal tumors.
Methods:
Consecutive subjects undergoing attempted endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration of a kidney mass after evaluation with computerized tomography or magnetic resonance.
Results:
Ten procedures were performed in nine male patients (median age 54.7 years) on the right (n = 4) and left kidney (n = 4) and bilaterally (n = 1). Kidney masses (median diameter 55 mm ; range 13-160 mm) were located in the upper pole (n = 3), the lower pole (n = 2) and the mesorenal region (n = 3). In two cases, the mass involved more than one kidney region. Surgical resection confirmed renal cell carcinoma in six patients in whom pre-operative endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration demonstrated renal cell carcinoma. No complications were reported.
Conclusions:
Endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration appears as a safe and feasible procedure with good results and minimal morbidity.
Related Concept Videos
Ultrasound II: Endoscopic Ultrasound and FibroScan
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography
Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination
Imaging Studies V: Intravenous Urography and Retrograde Pyelography
Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management
Imaging Studies IV: Magnetic Resonance Imaging

