Percutaneous biopsy of retroperitoneal lymph nodes. A multicentric study

Percutaneous transperitoneal biopsy of retroperitoneal lymph nodes is a fast and well tolerated procedure to improve the diagnosis of metastasis for staging primary tumours and general lymphatic disease. In 303 patients examined by lymphography and biopsy, cytology disclosed metastases in almost twice as many patients as lymphography alone. By combining both examinations, staging operations can be omitted in many patients.