CT-guided procedures: an initial experience

Despite their usefulness, CT-guided procedures have a low profile in Romania. The current study has the purpose of describing a first experience in performing these procedures.

Tumors and fluid collections that were inaccessible for biopsy or drainage by ultrasound or endoscopic guidance were included. The procedures were performed using a 64-slice GE Optima CT660 CT scanner. The biopsies were carried out using the coaxial technique with an 18 G semiautomatic needle. The drainages were performed using 10 F pig-tail drains that were inserted using the Seldinger technique. Data regarding the size and location of the target lesion, puncture technique, success and complication rates were recorded.

Between May 2017 and April 2018, 30 procedures were performed, of which 26 biopsies and 4 drainage insertions. Of the biopsies 3 were mediastinal, 8 pulmonary, 6 retroperitoneal, 4 pelvic, and 5 of the bone. The drainages were performed for pelvic lymphoceles. The average lesion size was 3.2 cm (0.7-9 cm), with a depth from the skin of 9.1 cm (0.6-15.2 cm). The average procedure duration was 58 minutes (31-93 minutes). A conclusive histopathological diagnosis was set after 92.3% of biopsies. Three procedures resulted in complications, two being minor (hemothorax, soft tissue hematoma) and one severe (tension pneumothorax requiring drainage).

CT guidance offers safe access to lesions that cannot be biopsied or drained under ultrasound or endoscopic guidance.