The use of transrectal ultrasound to biopsy pelvic masses in women.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to review our experience with transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsies in women with a pelvic mass, with respect to obtaining an adequate sample, the influence of biopsy results on patient management, and patient tolerance.


METHODS
We conducted a chart review of all women at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) that had been clinically referred for TRUS-guided biopsies of a pelvic mass. Data collected included patient age, previous type of malignancy, size and location of lesion being biopsied, postbiopsy diagnosis, and subsequent management. Statistics were purely descriptive.


RESULTS
Eight women have had this procedure at PMH. The smallest size of lesion biopsied was 1.7 x 1.4 x 2.3 cm. In all eight women, the tissue obtained was adequate for the determination of a histological diagnosis and subsequently influenced patient management. The procedure was well tolerated and there were no complications.


CONCLUSIONS
TRUS-guided biopsy of a pelvic mass is a feasible method of establishing a pathological diagnosis. In this small series of patients, it was found to be accurate, well tolerated, and useful in guiding patient management. In selected patients, the TRUS biopsy provides a useful alternative to transabdominal and transvaginal biopsy.
Giede
Christopher
C
Department of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Toronto, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Toi
Ants
A
Chapman
William
W
Rosen
Barry
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D010386:Pelvic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography