Ultrasound-guided fine-needle histological biopsies in the abdomen

The results of 83 consecutive ultrasound-guided abdominal fine-needle biopsies are reviewed and the technique described. Material suitable for histological examination was obtained in 87% of cases. The overall sensitivity for the diagnosis of malignancy was 82% and the overall accuracy was 86%. The predictive value of a positive result was 100%. Of the biopsies positive for malignancy, 61% provided further descriptive histological information, usually allowing a differential diagnosis, and in 35% of the positive biopsies a specific histogenesis or diagnosis was suggested. There were no complications with this procedure. This technique was found to be of value for the diagnosis of abdominal lesions and is recommended where there is no cytology service available. The technique has certain advantages over aspiration cytology and could prove to be superior.