PERCUTANEOUS TRANSTHORACIC FINE-NEEDLE LUNG-BIOPSY WITH 3 DIFFERENT NEEDLES - A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF RESULTS AND COMPLICATIONS IN 224 PATIENTS

During 1986-1990, 307 percutaneous transthoracic fine-needle biopsies (PTNB) were performed on 224 patients (mean age 63 years, range 27-83) with three types of needles (Nordenstrom, Vacu-Cut(R) and Franzen). The overall sensitivity regarding malignant disease in central and peripheral pulmonary lesions was 67.0%. In 71 patients with suspected malignancy and a negative PTNB, the examination was repeated and the sensitivity was increased to 79.5%. Each needle had the following sensitivity: Nordenstrom 67.4%, Vacu-Cut 75.7%, Franzen 75.9%. The overall pneumothorax frequency was 24.7%, being highest with the Nordenstrom needle. Hemoptysis was seen in 5 examinations. In conclusion, the Franzen and Vacu-Cut needles have a significantly higher sensitivity and a lower complication frequency compared to the Nordenstrom needle.