No abstract

Two techniques for percutaneous renal biopsy were retrospectively reviewed to assess their relative safety and efficacy. Ultrasound localization of the kidney by a radiologists, with subsequent biopsy performed by a renal physician using a hand-held 15 G cutting needle (Tru-Cut), was compared with biopsy performed by a radiologist using an 18 G cutting needle with a spring-loaded biopsy device (Biopty) and real-time ultrasound guidance. The smaller needle with real-time ultrasound is more reliable at retrieving an adequate specimen for histological examination (93%) than the "conventional" technique (79%). Fewer complications occurred in the Biopty group although the difference did not reach statistical significance. The average length of stay in hospital was significantly shorter for elective biopsies with the Biopty device (1.80 compared with 2.93 nights, p less than 0.01). We recommend the use of the Biopty device with an 18 G needle and real-time ultrasound guidance as the method of choice for percutaneous renal biopsy.

FNAC results provide useful preoperative information. FNAC enables more reliable patient counselling and reduces pathological surprises. Pre-operative recognition of malignant tumours may help prepare both the surgeon and patient for an appropriate surgical procedure. Its enhancement of the pre-operative recognition of malignant parotid tumours may alert more stringent attention to the operative margin and hence better tumour clearance. Ultrasound guided FNAC was found to be highly specific for malignancy and its sensitivity for malignancy was good.

Overall, the specific NICE IOG guidance does not have the weight of objective evidence to justify such a categorical and specific recommendation. Alternative models of provision of diagnostic clinics may offer equally or more effective patient care than their stipulated 'one-stop' surgeon and pathologist model.

Warthin's tumour (benign cystadenolymphoma) is the second most common salivary gland tumour after pleomorphic salivary adenoma, and it is commonly encountered in routine head and neck ultrasonography. Tissue diagnosis can be achieved by fine-needle aspiration. Infarction and inflammatory response following fine-needle aspiration is previously described in excision specimens. We describe 7 cases of radiologically infarcting Warthin's tumours in situ in a retrospective analysis of 76 patients, and demonstrate an approximate incidence of at least 9% of infarction following fine-needle aspiration in lesions left in situ. We recommend the possibility of infarction and associated clinical symptoms being incorporated into pre-fine-needle aspiration patient counselling.