Initial experience with EUS-guided trucut needle biopsies of perigastric organs.
BACKGROUND
The aims of this study were to determine the feasibility, safety, and yield of a 19-gauge EUS-guided-trucut needle for obtaining biopsy specimens of perigastric organs.


METHODS
The study was performed in swine under general anesthesia. EUS-guided trucut needle biopsy specimens were obtained from the spleen, liver, pancreas body, and left kidney. Biopsy specimens were assessed for size, fragmentation, and representation of the target organ.


METHODS
Twenty-eight biopsy specimens were obtained from the 4 target organs with two needles. Median biopsy length was 6 mm (spleen), 4 mm (liver), 6 mm (left kidney), and 2 mm (pancreas body). Of all the specimens, 75% to 100% had tissue representative of the target organ. EUS visualization of the needle was excellent and no complications were identified.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of the trucut needle under EUS guidance to obtain biopsy specimens of perigastric organs appears safe and yields specimens that are representative of the target organ sampled. Further study of the utility and safety of this needle in humans is warranted.
Wiersema
Maurits J
MJ
Developmental Endoscopy Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Levy
Michael J
MJ
Harewood
Gavin C
GC
Vazquez-Sequeiros
Enrique
E
Jondal
Mary Lou
ML
Wiersema
Lisa M
LM
D000818:Animals; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods*; D019160:Endosonography; D006652:Histological Techniques; D007668:Kidney / Q000473:pathology; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D010179:Pancreas / Q000473:pathology; D013154:Spleen / Q000473:pathology*; D013552:Swine