A one-hand operation gun for transrectal prostate biopsy.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a new automatic biopsy device (ABD) that enables a radiologist to obtain multiple samples with one hand and free the other hand to handle the ultrasonic scanner for continuous monitoring.


METHODS
The new ABD developed by us in April 1994 enabled a radiologist to complete all the biopsy procedures including loading and reloading the spring system, firing the device, emptying the specimen, selecting the depth of needle advancement, and multiple sampling, simply by pressing 3 buttons in turn with his/her right thumb. Using this new ABD, transrectal prostate biopsy under the guidance of transrectal ultrasonic imaging was performed in 60 consecutive cases of prostate diseases. Each biopsy procedure was completed by a single radiologist, who was able to obtain multiple specimens with one biopsy needle, using only one hand and freeing the other hand for the manipulation of the ultrasonic scanner for guidance.


RESULTS
A total of 265 satisfactory core tissue specimens of 285 needle passes (93%) were obtained from the 60 patients. Definite pathologic diagnoses were made for all the 60 patients (100%). No serious biopsy-related complications were observed. The main complications were hematuria in 24 of 60 (40%) patients and fever in 5 (8.3%).


CONCLUSIONS
On the basis of our experience with the 60 patients, this new ABD can be operated smoothly and effectively with the right hand, while the left hand is freed to handle the ultrasonic transducer for continuous monitoring.
Li
S
S
Department of Ultrasonics, Third Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Medical University, Changsha.
Li
R
R
Cao
Z
Z
Liu
M
M
Chen
C
C
Zhou
P
P
Zhu
W
W
D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011467:Prostate / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional