Early and short-term complications after US-guided puncture of gynecologic lesions: evaluation after 1,000 consecutive cases.
OBJECTIVE
To ascertain the complication rate associated with ultrasound (US)-guided puncture of gynecologic lesions.


METHODS
Between 1986 and 1992, 878 transabdominal and 122 transvaginal US-guided punctures of gynecologic lesions were performed in 893 patients. Most of the procedures were performed in adnexal cysts (n = 838); the rest, in solid tumors (n = 66), mixed tumors (n = 56), or lymphoceles, abscesses, or fluid collections (n = 40). No anesthesia or antibiotic prophylaxis was routinely used.


RESULTS
No life-threatening complication was recorded. Early complications (defined as complications that occurred within 24 hours after puncture) were recorded in 31 patients and consisted mainly of transient vagal symptoms or pain. Short-term complications (within 5 days after puncture) were recorded in 10 patients, six of whom required surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
US-guided puncture of gynecologic lesions is safe in selected patients. Complication rates depend on the type of lesion and are very high in dermoid cysts, which should not be punctured, and extremely low in serous cysts, solid tumors, and mixed tumors.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ospedale San Gerardo, IV Clinica Università di Milano, Monza, Italy.
G
G
Zanetta
D
D
Trio
A
A
Lissoni
C
C
Dalla Valle
G
G
Rangoni
M
M
Pittelli
M
M
Marzola
A
A
Pellegrino
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000209:etiology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000209:etiology; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D003884:Dermoid Cyst / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008210:Lymphocele / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D009339:Needles; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D011677:Punctures / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography