[Percutaneous ultrasound-guided pancreas allograft biopsy: a secure procedure]

To describe the complications rate related to percutaneous ultrasound-guided pancreas allograft biopsy using an N16 Gauge needle.

In this retrospective study, the results of transplanted pancreas biopsies were analyzed in the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires between 1997 and 2012. In all patients, the indication for the procedure was a suspected rejection. After verifying the lack ofcontraindications, a percutaneous biopsy ofthe transplanted pancreas guided by ultrasound using an N16 Gauge needle was performed. A pathologist immediately evaluated the samples in order to establish that the material obtained was adequate. The complications were documented.

. A total of92 pancreas percutaneous biopsies were performed in 47 patients in the Interventionism service of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. In 86% ofthe biopsies two samples were taken and in the 14% remaining only one. It was possible to reach a diagnosis in 100% of the biopsies. Only two patients presented complications: a post-puncture pancreatic fistula that healed with conservative treatment and an intense post-puncture pain with vasovagal reaction that reverted with the increase of venous return.

Our results with the 16G needle are similar to those reported by other authors that used needles with lower gauge (18G or 20G). Thus, we can interpret that the percutaneous biopsy of transplanted pancreas under ultrasound guide with N16 Gauge needle is a safe (2.2% of complications) and efficient technique for the histopathological diagnosis of rejection (100%).