Evaluation of fine needle aspiration cytology versus open surgical biopsy in detecting malignancy

The present study included 99 patients, 41 with breast masses, 28 with lymphadenopathy and 30 patients with thyroid swelling. The technique of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology is hereby described. The sensitivity and specificity rates together with the positive and negative predictive values of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology were all highly satisfactory in patients with breast masses [92.3%, 100%, and 96.7% respectively] and those with lymphadenopathy [89.5%, 100% 100% and 84.6% respectively]. However, in patients with thyroid nodules, these rates were less satisfactory [66.7%, 100%, 100% and 92.9% respectively]. In all cases the paired Chi-Square test showed statistically insignificant difference between the results of the two biopsy techniques. It is concluded that FNAC can replace open surgical biopsy in most of the studied cases

Choledochoduodenostomy, its role in the management of patients with gall bladder stones

413 patients presented with benign biliary tract pathology. Out of 328 patients who have had cholecystectomy performed for gall bladder stones, 16 had choledocho-duodenostomy done. 85 patients had calcular obstructive jaundice and out of these, 26 patients had choledocho-duodenostomy. In total 42 patients had choledocho-duodenostomy done for various indications. There was no postoperative mortality. Postoperative complications occurred in 8 patients [19%]. The follow up period varied between one and eight years. During this period seven patients died due to casuses other than their biliary tract condition. The remaining 35 patients are symptom free up to the last follow up visit. This study has shown that there is still a place for such procedure in the management of patients with benign biliary tract pathology. It proved to be a safe procedure with no mortality, in this series, and an insignificant morbidity