Needle biopsy in the diagnosis of perpheral pulmonary leisions

Objective To investigate a safe and precise biopsy method in the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions. Methods 42 patients with peripheral pulmonary lesions were studied. All patients had CT examinations before percutaneous needle biopsy to decide the location of the lesion and the depth and direction of the needle. Biopsies were performed using a coaxial 20 G cutting biopsy needle. The details of the technique were discussed. The specimens were sent for histopathological examination. Results Among the 42 cases, only 1 case (2.4%) gave a false negative result while 41 cases were comformed to be malignant lesions. Hemoptysis occurred in 1 patient (2.4%) and pneumothorax in 2 patients (4.7%). Atelectasis was observed in less than 20% in all the patients. Conclusion CT guided percutaneous needle biopsy is a safe and precise method in the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary nodules.