Should we apply suction during fine needle cytology of thyroid lesions? A systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a well-established investigation in thyroid disease. Fine needle sampling without aspiration (FNS) is less commonly used but often easier to perform. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages but, as yet, there is no agreement on which method produces better specimens for cytological diagnosis.


METHODS
We undertook a review of the literature and performed a meta-analysis of the results of four cross-over trials.


RESULTS
The resulting odds ratio favoured FNS (OR = 0.99; 95% CI 0.88-1.11) but was not statistically significant. A fifth paper not included in the meta-analysis reported results in favour of FNS (P = 0.003).


CONCLUSIONS
There is no evidence from the meta-analysis that one method is superior to the other; however, taking into consideration all available evidence, it seems that FNS may be easier to perform and may produce better samples.
Pothier
David D
DD
Department of Otolaryngology, Gloucester Royal Hospital, Gloucester, UK. email@davepothier.com
Narula
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AA
D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle / Q000379:methods*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013396:Suction; D013959:Thyroid Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000473:pathology*