[CT-guided punctures: diagnostic value, therapeutic consequences and economic aspects]

To evaluate the diagnostic and clinical relevance and therapeutic consequences of CT-guided biopsy with regard to economic aspects.

213 CT-guided biopsies in 190 patients were evaluated. All information regarding patient referral, reason for request, body region, underlying diagnosis, and clinical consequences were registered over a period of 22.2 +/- 9.4 month.

Patient referral to biopsy was mainly from the departments of surgery, internal medicine, and radiotherapy with the question of tumor and metastasis. Less than 5% of biopsies were performed in outpatients. Main regions were the lung (39%), the abdomen (35%), and the skeleton (11%). Biopsy and surgical histology corresponded in 73%. Largest diagnosis groups were benign unspecific tissues or other benign lesions in 24%. As a result of CTP no further procedures were necessary in 22.5%. Follow-up studies or conservative treatment were indicated in 11.3%. Surgical procedures were needed in only 15.5%. There was only one complication requiring therapy.

CT-guided biopsy is a safe procedure, which helps to avoid unneccessary cost-intensive diagnostics and surgical treatment. If CTP is performed early and in outpatients residence time in the hospital is reduced and thus money is saved.