Abdominal lesions: a prospective study of clinical efficacy of percutaneous fine-needle biopsy

A prospective study was undertaken to assess the contribution of percutaneous fine-needle biopsy (PFNB) to the diagnostic workup and therapeutic management of 112 abdominal lesions in 106 patients (69 hepatic, 27 pancreatic, and 16 nondetermined). In 75% of the patients, PFNB contributed significantly to the diagnosis, in 22% it was of little help, and in 3% it confused the diagnosis. It confirmed a highly suspected diagnosis in 55% of patients and indicated a specific diagnosis that was not suspected in the remaining 45%. Results of PFNB guided treatment in 32% of cases, increased confidence in a previously planned therapy in 39%, and did not alter therapy in 29%. PFNB was instrumental in avoiding 61 planned invasive investigations and 11 surgical explorations, with a cost savings of about 35%. No significant complication was observed after PFNB.