Percutaneous core biopsy of abdominal tumors using 22 gauge needles: further observations

Percutaneous needle sampling of suspected malignant tumors was carried out in 150 patients using a technique providing specimens for both cytologic and histologic analyses. Adequate samples for pathologic analysis were obtained in 97% and 89%, respectively. An overall accuracy rate of 85% was achieved with histologic results providing a positive diagnosis in 7% of patients in whom corresponding cytologic information was falsely negative. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments suggest no superiority in the tissue retrieval rate of the different 22 gauge needles used for biopsy. Since the core biopsy technique adds no increase in complication rate and provides a small but definite incremental gain in accuracy, its routine use is suggested.