Comparison of the results of ultrasonography guided percutaneous liver mass biopsy using 18 and 20 gauge cutting needles

Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the diagnostic accuracy and efficacy of 18G and 20G cutting needles in ultrasonography (US) guided percutaneous liver mass biopsy.Method: 60 patients, who underwent US guided percutaneous biopsy by using 18G and 20G cutting needles due to the existence of liver mass have been included in the study. The final diagnosis of the lesion was established after examining the histopathologic evaluation results, file follow-up findings, follow-up screening findings of the lesion and repeated biopsy results in the existing patients. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and diagnostic accuracy rates of 18 and 20G needles were calculated.Results: The final diagnosis was malign in the 54 of 60 liver mass (90 %) and benign in the 6 of 50 (10 %) liver mass.. By using 18G cutting needles, histopathologic diagnosis in accordance with the final diagnosis was found in the 55 of 60 biopsy. Malignancy was obtained in the 49 of 54 biopsy of malign liver mass. Benign diagnosis was reported in 6 of 6 biopsy of benign liver mass. The sensitivity of 18G cutting needle for liver mass biopsy was found as 90,7 %, while the specificity and positive predictive value were found as 100 %, negative predictive value was found as 75,0 % and diagnostic accuracy rate was found as 91,6 %. By using 20G cutting needles, histopathological results in accordance with the final diagnosis were observed in the53 of 60 biopsy. Malignancy was reported 47 of 54 biopsy of malign liver mass. Benign diagnosis was reported in all 6 of 6 biopsy of benign liver mass. The sensitivity of 20G cutting needle for liver mass biopsy was found as 87,0 %; while the specificity and positive predictive value were found as 100 %, negative predictive value was found as 66,7 % and diagnostic accuracy rate was found as % 88,3. No statistical significant difference was observed between the results obtained with the use of 18G and 20G cutting needles on liver mass under the guidance of US (p=0,540).Conclusion: We have found that 18G and 20G cutting needles have similar diagnostic success and efficacy in US guided percutaneous liver mass biopsy. Because of its thin calibration, 20G cutting needles can be preferred in high-risk patient group such as hemorrhagical disorder.Keywords: US guided biopsy, liver biopsy, cutting needle biopsy