Feasibility of Ultrasound-guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology Using Extended Tube for a Thyroid Mass / 대한내분비외과학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a very useful procedure for the diagnosis and management of thyroid disease. The use of FNAC has increased over the years. We determined the incidence of complications associated with ultrasound-guided FNAC using an extended tube for a thyroid mass and the factors that contribute to such complications. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify patients who underwent FNAC. Two hundred fifty-four patients underwent 325 procedures between July and September 2009. RESULTS: There were no major complications associated with ultrasound-guided FNAC using an extended tube for a thyroid mass. The most minor complication was neck pain, which occurred in 16.1% of the patients (41/254). Multiple FNACs, anti-coagulant medications, abnormal thyroid function tests, nature of the mass, and size of the mass did not contribute to the complications in this study. CONCLUSION: Using an extended tube during ultrasoundguided FNAC for a thyroid mass is safe and convenient.