Computed tomography-guided retroperitoneal biopsies

A retrospective review was performed on consecutive patients who had a computed tomographic (CT) biopsy of the retroperitoneum at University Hospitals of Cleveland. Biopsies were performed using a 20-gauge Chiba needle (University Medical Instruments Corp, Ballston Spa, NY) and a 14-gauge Tru-Cut needle (Baxter Pharmaseal, Valencia, CA). The results included success rate, failure, and complications, and were determined by a review of patient charts, surgical results, and autopsy results. The 20-gauge needle aspirations were accurate in suggesting the diagnosis in 20 of 22 cases of metastatic disease and ten of 15 cases of lymphoma. Using the 20-gauge needle, it was not possible to make a specific diagnosis in any of the lymphoma patients or for unusual benign disorders. With the 14-gauge Tru-Cut needle, the correct diagnosis was made in 13 of 13 cases of metastatic disease, ten of 11 cases of lymphoma, and two of 2 cases of unusual benign disorders. It was also possible to make the specific diagnosis of the lymphoma type in ten of 11 cases. The only complication was a small subcutaneous hematoma following a biopsy with a 20-gauge Chiba needle.