Biópsia pulmonar com agulha transtorácica guiada por tomografia computadorizada no Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo: eficiência diagnóstica e complicações / Computed tomography-guided transthoracic needle lung biopsy at Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo: diagnostic efficiency and complications

Introdução: Algumas patologias pulmonares, sejam difusas ou localizadas, podem não ser diagnosticadas pelos métodos convencionais. A Biópsia com Agulha Guiada por Tomografia Computadorizada (BAG-TC), tornou-se uma ferramenta fundamental para a obtenção de amostras de tecido pulmonar. Mas algumas vezes essa ferramenta pode associar-se a complicações nos pacientes, no caso que os protocolos sejam praticados com erro do procedimento, por isso, este estudo tenta conhecer melhor a experiência no nosso serviço na realização deste procedimento. No Brasil, poucos estudos estão disponíveis ou publicados sobre a realização desta técnica. Além disso, mesmo sendo considerado um procedimento menos invasivo e com seus vários benefícios, de modo geral, é pouco executado no País. Objetivo: Demonstrar a experiência de utilização da BAG-TC no Hospital do Servidor Público Municipal de São Paulo (HSPM), analisar os resultados anatomopatológicos, as taxas de complicações e os benefícios associados a essa técnica. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva dos procedimentos realizados em pacientes encaminhados de diversos setores do HSPM, entre Janeiro de 2018 à Dezembro de 2020, por meio de dados coletados a partir de registros próprios, compilados e arquivados em Compact Disc. A técnica utilizada consiste na biópsia por fragmento guiada por TC, padronizada sob anestesia local e utilização de agulha coaxial 19 gauge e agulha de biópsia 20 gauge. Para a análise do desempenho diagnóstico e das taxas de complicações, foram comparados os resultados obtidos com outros estudos que avaliaram a mesma técnica, por meio de análises estatísticas e determinação de porcentagens. Resultados: Foi realizada a análise de 103 registros, nos quais 41% dos procedimentos apresentaram intercorrências, sendo a principal delas intrinsecamente relacionada ao procedimento, como a hemorragia parenquimatosa, que se apresentou em 17,5% dos pacientes. A necessidade de drenagem em pacientes que apresentaram pneumotórax foi de 7,8%. Mostrou-se também um aumento na incidência de complicações no período pós-pandemia de COVID-19, variando de 37% (pré-pandemia) para 58% após o momento que se iniciou. O método apresentou um resultado diagnóstico por anatomia patológica de 67% para neoplasias, 20,3% de pacientes com resultado inflamatório e 11,7% de pacientes apresentaram resultado inespecífico. Conclusões: A biópsia pulmonar guiada por TC é uma modalidade diagnóstica bem definida, contudo faltam dados quanto a desfechos de resultados e estudos que abordem a segurança e eficiência do procedimento. Tornando-se uma solução diagnóstica precisa e segura, permitindo tomadas de decisões certeiras e evitando procedimentos cirúrgicos invasivos ao paciente, diminuindo o tempo de internação do paciente e a necessidade de exames complementares, reduzindo os custos hospitalares. Palavras-chave: Biópsia guiada por imagem; Biópsia por agulha; Lesão pulmonar; Efetividade de intervenções.

Acute prostatitis after prostate biopsy under ciprofloxacin prophylaxis with or without ornidazole and pre-biopsy enema: analysis of 3. 479 prostate biopsy cases

ABSTRACT Objectives: To investigate the characteristics of cases of NIH category I acute prostatitis developed after transrectal prostate biopsy and clarifiy the risk factors and preventive factors. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 3.479 cases of transrectal ultrasound-guided needle biopsies performed with different prophylactic antibiotherapy regimens at two different institutions between January 2011 and February 2016. The patients of Group I have received ciprofl oxacin (n=1.523, 500mg twice daily) and the patients of Group II have received ciprofl oxacin plus ornidazole (n=1.956, 500mg twice daily) and cleansing enema combination as prophylactic antibiotherapy. The incidence, clinical features and other related microbiological and clinical data, were evaluated. Results: Mean age was 62.38±7.30 (47-75), and the mean prostate volume was 43.17±15.20 (21-100) mL. Of the 3.479 patients, 39 (1.1%) developed acute prostatitis after the prostate biopsy procedure. Of the 39 cases of acute prostatitis, 28/3.042 occurred after the first biopsy and 11/437 occurred after repeat biopsy (p=0.038). In Group I, 22 of 1.523 (1.4%) patients developed acute prostatitis. In Group II, 17 of 1.959 (0.8%) patients developed acute prostatitis. There was no statistical difference between the two groups according to acute prostatitis rates (X2=2.56, P=0.11). Further, hypertension or DM were not related to the development of acute prostatitis (P=0.76, X2=0.096 and P=0.83, X2=0.046, respectively). Conclusions: Repeat biopsy seems to increase the risk of acute prostatitis, while the use of antibiotics effective for anaerobic pathogens seems not to be essential yet.

Quality improvement initiative to reduce variability and improve stewardship of antimicrobial prophylaxis for transrectal prostate needle biopsy.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of implementing the recommendations included in the 2014 American Urological Association (AUA) white paper on complications of transrectal prostate needle biopsy (PNB). METHODS: In the outpatient setting of a single tertiary-care institution, prophylactic antibiotic use and rate of infectious complications were compared before and after implementation by nursing of a standardized algorithm to select antibiotic prophylaxis (derived from the recommendations of the AUA white paper). The 584 patients in cohort A (January 2011-January 2012) received antimicrobial prophylaxis at the discretion of the treating physician; 654 patients in cohort B (January 2014-January 2015) received standardized risk-adapted antibiotic prophylaxis. Data on antibiotics administered and infectious complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Fluoroquinolone was the most common prophylactic regimen in both cohorts. In cohort A, 73% of men received a single-drug regimen, although 19 different regimens were utilized with duration of 72 h. In cohort B, 97% received 1 of 4 standardized single-drug antibiotic regimens for duration of 24 h. Infectious complications occurred in 19 men (3.3%) in cohort A, and in 18 men (2.8%) in cohort B (difference - 0.5%; one-sided 95% CI 1.1%). No clinically relevant increase in infectious complication rates was found after implementing this quality improvement initiative. CONCLUSIONS: Use of a standardized risk-adapted approach to select antibiotic prophylaxis for PNB by nursing staff reduced the duration of antimicrobial prophylaxis and number of antibiotic regimens used, without increasing the rate of infectious complications. Our findings validate the current AUA recommendations for antibiotic prophylaxis.

Acute prostatitis after prostate biopsy under ciprofloxacin prophylaxis with or without ornidazole and pre-biopsy enema: analysis of 3.479 prostate biopsy cases.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the characteristics of cases of NIH category I acute prostatitis developed after transrectal prostate biopsy and clarifiy the risk factors and preventive factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 3.479 cases of transrectal ultrasound-guided needle biopsies performed with different prophylactic antibiotherapy regimens at two different institutions between January 2011 and February 2016. The patients of Group I have received ciprofloxacin (n=1.523, 500mg twice daily) and the patients of Group II have received ciprofloxacin plus ornidazole (n=1.956, 500mg twice daily) and cleansing enema combination as prophylactic antibiotherapy. The incidence, clinical features and other related microbiological and clinical data, were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean age was 62.38 ± 7.30 (47-75), and the mean prostate volume was 43.17 ± 15.20 (21-100) mL. Of the 3.479 patients, 39 (1.1%) developed acute prostatitis after the prostate biopsy procedure. Of the 39 cases of acute prostatitis, 28/3.042 occurred after the fi rst biopsy and 11/437 occurred after repeat biopsy (p=0.038). In Group I, 22 of 1.523 (1.4%) patients developed acute prostatitis. In Group II, 17 of 1.959 (0.8%) patients developed acute prostatitis. There was no statistical difference between the two groups according to acute prostatitis rates (X2=2.56, P=0.11). Further, hypertension or DM were not related to the development of acute prostatitis (P=0.76, X2=0.096 and P=0.83, X2=0.046, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Repeat biopsy seems to increase the risk of acute prostatitis, while the use of antibiotics effective for anaerobic pathogens seems not to be essential yet.

Clinical complications in renal biopsy using two different needle gauges: The impact of large hematomas, a random clinical trial study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare complications of ultrasound-guided percutaneous renal biopsy using two needle gauges (16-G and 18-G). METHODS: A total of 238 individuals with renal biopsy indication were included and randomly separated into two groups: ultrasound-guided percutaneous renal biopsy procedure carried out with a 16-G or 18-G needle. The adequacy of biopsy samples and post-procedure complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The procedures carried out with a 16-G needle collected fragments with a mean of 22.1 ± 10.8 glomeruli, and those carried out with an 18-G needle had a mean of 17.5 ± 9.4 glomeruli. Patients submitted to renal biopsies with a 16-G needle had a higher likelihood of having a complication (OR5.1, 95% CI 1.7-15.4, P = 0.001). The overall mean volume of post-biopsy hematoma in patients with complications was significantly larger than those without complications (44 ± 56.1 mL vs 5.9 ± 6.6 mL; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Renal biopsies carried out by ultrasonography using an 18-G needle provide adequate histological analysis, showing a lower amount of glomeruli but with similar clinical quality as a 16-G needle. Furthermore, it is associated with a lower risk of procedure-related complications.

Lateral decubitus position vs. lithotomy position: which is the best way to minimize patient's pain perception during transrectal prostate biopsy?

ABSTRACT Introduction Considering the distinctive nature in terms of psychological stress and anal tone of position which is generally selected between lithotomy and left lateral decubitus (LLD), we postulated its effect on pain perception during biopsy, and investigated their association. Materials and Methods A prospective study for comparison of two biopsy positions which were perform in a different working day was conducted for 208 men (lithotomy position=86, LLD=122). The decision on the position was made solely based on the patient’s preference for the biopsy day, and all procedures were performed according to the identical protocol (12-core biopsy with intrarectal lidocaine gel), probe, and needle. The maximal degree of pain during the entire process was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), immediately after biopsy. After propensity matching, a total of 152 patients were finally selected (lithotomy group=76, LLD=76), then peri-biopsy parameters were compared. Results Between groups, no differences were observed across all variables including age, obesity, prostate volume, serum PSA, international prostate symptom score, and cancer detection rate, except mean (±standard deviation) VAS score (3.89±2.01 vs. 4.58±2.22, p=0.049). VAS score showed significant association solely with patient’s position (Pearson’s coefficient=-0.165, p=0.042). In multiple linear regression models regarding the effect of clinical variables on VAS score, patient position was a single independent predictor favoring lithotomy position to decrease perceived pain (B=-0.928, p=0.024). Conclusions These data suggest lithotomy position as a proper way to perform transrectal prostate biopsy with routine use of topical lidocaine gel in comparison with conventional LLD position.

Lateral decubitus position vs. lithotomy position: which is the best way to minimize patient's pain perception during transrectal prostate biopsy?

INTRODUCTION: Considering the distinctive nature in terms of psychological stress and anal tone of position which is generally selected between lithotomy and left lateral decubitus (LLD), we postulated its effect on pain perception during biopsy, and investigated their association. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study for comparison of two biopsy positions which were perform in a different working day was conducted for 208 men (lithotomy position=86, LLD=122). The decision on the position was made solely based on the patient's preference for the biopsy day, and all procedures were performed according to the identical protocol (12-core biopsy with intrarectal lidocaine gel), probe, and needle. The maximal degree of pain during the entire process was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS), immediately after biopsy. After propensity matching, a total of 152 patients were finally selected (lithotomy group=76, LLD=76), then peri-biopsy parameters were compared. RESULTS: Between groups, no differences were observed across all variables including age, obesity, prostate volume, serum PSA, international prostate symptom score, and cancer detection rate, except mean (±standard deviation) VAS score (3.89±2.01 vs. 4.58±2.22, p=0.049). VAS score showed significant association solely with patient's position (Pearson's coefficient=-0.165, p=0.042). In multiple linear regression models regarding the effect of clinical variables on VAS score, patient position was a single independent predictor favoring lithotomy position to decrease perceived pain (B=-0.928, p=0.024). CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest lithotomy position as a proper way to perform transrectal prostate biopsy with routine use of topical lidocaine gel in comparison with conventional LLD position.

Incidence of sepsis following transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy at a tertiary-care medical center in Lebanon.

BACKGROUND: Urosepsis is a rare but life-threatening complication following transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided needle prostate biopsy. Despite the technological and pharmacological improvements, the problem of bacterial urosepsis after prostate biopsy remains. A strategy for preventing urosepsis following TRUS prostate biopsy in áreas with high prevalence of resistant strains or patients presenting risk factors is lacking. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of urosepsis, as well its predictors, following TRUS guided needle biopsy of the prostate in a tertiary care medical center in Lebanon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective study on all patients who underwent TRUS prostate biopsy at the American University of Beirut Medical Center between January 1, 2011 and June 31, 2013. Patients' hospital charts were reviewed. Data collected included demographic information, pre-procedure disease specific information, as well as post-procedure information. Predictors of urosepsis following TRUS were assessed. RESULTS: In total, 265 patients were included in this study, where the prevalence of urosepsis following TRUS prostate biopsy was found to be 9.4%. The significant independente predictors of urosepsis were found to be: age with an OR=0.93 (95% CI: 0.88-1.00, p-value=0.03), and hypertension comorbidity with an OR=3.25 (95% CI: 1.19-8.85, p-value=0.02). CONCLUSION: We found a high prevalence of urosepsis among patients who have undergone TRUS prostate biopsy, and identified two significant risk factors. The results of this study highlight the importance of implementing strategies for prevention of urosepsis following TRUS prostate biopsy.

Incidence of sepsis following transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy at a tertiary-care medical center in Lebanon

ABSTRACT Background Urosepsis is a rare but life-threatening complication following transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided needle prostate biopsy. Despite the technological and pharmacological improvements, the problem of bacterial urosepsis after prostate biopsy remains. A strategy for preventing urosepsis following TRUS prostate biopsy in areas with high prevalence of resistant strains or patients presenting risk factors is lacking. Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of urosepsis, as well its predictors, following TRUS guided needle biopsy of the prostate in a tertiary care medical center in Lebanon. Materials and Methods We carried out a retrospective study on all patients who underwent TRUS prostate biopsy at the American University of Beirut Medical Center between January 1, 2011 and June 31, 2013. Patients’ hospital charts were reviewed. Data collected included demographic information, pre-procedure disease specific information, as well as post-procedure information. Predictors of urosepsis following TRUS were assessed. Results In total, 265 patients were included in this study, where the prevalence of urosepsis following TRUS prostate biopsy was found to be 9.4%. The significant independent predictors of urosepsis were found to be: age with an OR=0.93 (95% CI: 0.88–1.00, p-value=0.03), and hypertension comorbidity with an OR=3.25 (95% CI: 1.19–8.85, p-value=0.02). Conclusion We found a high prevalence of urosepsis among patients who have undergone TRUS prostate biopsy, and identified two significant risk factors. The results of this study highlight the importance of implementing strategies for prevention of urosepsis following TRUS prostate biopsy.

[Safety of reducing the recovery time after percutaneous and laparoscopic liver biopsy]. / Seguridad de la reducción del tiempo de reposo posbiopsia hepática percutánea y por vía laparoscópica.

BACKGROUND: Liver biopsy is the main diagnostic tool for the study of the liver, and as such, its inherent complications have been minimised as much as possible over the years, through the modification of several factors regarding its procedure, including post-biopsy recovery time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety in the reduction of post-liver biopsy recovery time. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A non-blinded, randomised clinical trial was conducted in the "Hermanos Ameijeiras" Hospital from November 2011 to October 2012, on 128 patients in order to assess safety when reducing post-biopsy recovery times. The patients were randomised into 2 groups. Group A was allowed a 6-hour recovery time, while Group B was allowed a 2-hour recovery time after liver biopsy. Complications were fully recorded. The Chi squared test of homogeneity and Student t test was used as appropriate, in the statistical analysis, a significance level of 0.05 was set. RESULTS: The main biopsy indication was elevated plasma transaminases. Pain in the puncture site was the most recurrent complication (67.2%), and the most serious complication was subcapsular liver haematoma in two cases (1.6%). There were no differences regarding the liver biopsy technique that could have caused complications in any group. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences between 2 hours and 6 hours post-liver biopsy recovery time in terms of complications, so it is considered that after two hours the patient is incorporated more quickly into their activities, and the institution spends less material and human resources.

The efficacy of duration of prophylactic antibiotics in transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the duration of prophylactic antibiotic administration in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided biopsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 367 patients undergoing a prostate biopsy between September 2007 and June 2009 was reviewed retrospectively and divided into 2 groups according to prophilaxy: oral ciprofloxacin (750 mg every 12 hours) for 3 or more days in Group-1 and single day in Group-2. Demographic characteristics of patients, symptoms, PSA values, IPSS scores, prostate sizes, pathologic results and complications were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The mean age of all patients was 63.92 years and the mean PSA was 13.61ng/ dL. The pre-biopsy mean IPSS score was 12.47 and mean prostate volume 52.53 mL. For 78.2% of patients the current biopsy was their first biopsy. Cancer detection rate was 24.2%. Fever was observed in 3 (1.2%) patients in Group-1 and 5 (4.0%) patients in Group-2. Local infections occurred in 2 (0.8%) and 1 (0.8%) patients respectively in Groups 1 and 2. Acute prostatitis was observed in only 1 (0.8%) patient in Group-2. None of the patients developed septicemia or other serious infection. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of fever, local infections (epididimitis, orchitis, etc.) and acute prostatitis. CONCLUSIONS: In a selected patient population single dose prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin can be safely administered compared to other regimens of 3 or more days. Increasing the duration of antibiotic prophylaxis does not decrease infectious complications.

The efficacy of duration of prophylactic antibiotics in transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy

ABSTRACT Introduction: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the duration of prophylactic antibiotic administration in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided biopsy. Material and Methods: A total of 367 patients undergoing a prostate biopsy between September 2007 and June 2009 was reviewed retrospectively and divided into 2 groups according to prophilaxy: oral ciprofloxacin (750 mg every 12 hours) for 3 or more days in Group-1 and single day in Group-2. Demographic characteristics of patients, symptoms, PSA values, IPSS scores, prostate sizes, pathologic results and complications were compared between the groups. Results: The mean age of all patients was 63.92 years and the mean PSA was 13.61ng/ dL. The pre-biopsy mean IPSS score was 12.47 and mean prostate volume 52.53 mL. For 78.2% of patients the current biopsy was their first biopsy. Cancer detection rate was 24.2%. Fever was observed in 3 (1.2%) patients in Group-1 and 5 (4.0%) patients in Group-2. Local infections occurred in 2 (0.8%) and 1 (0.8%) patients respectively in Groups 1 and 2. Acute prostatitis was observed in only 1 (0.8%) patient in Group-2. Accepted after revision: None of the patients developed septicemia or other serious infection. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of fever, local infections (epididimitis, orchitis, etc.) and acute prostatitis. Conclusions: In a selected patient population single dose prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin can be safely administered compared to other regimens of 3 or more days. Increasing the duration of antibiotic prophylaxis does not decrease infectious complications.

[Percutaneous ultrasound-guided pancreas allograft biopsy: a secure procedure]. / Biopsia percutánea de páncreas trasplantado bajo guía ecográfica: un procedimiento seguro.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the complications rate related to percutaneous ultrasound-guided pancreas allograft biopsy using an N16 Gauge needle. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, the results of transplanted pancreas biopsies were analyzed in the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires between 1997 and 2012. In all patients, the indication for the procedure was a suspected rejection. After verifying the lack ofcontraindications, a percutaneous biopsy ofthe transplanted pancreas guided by ultrasound using an N16 Gauge needle was performed. A pathologist immediately evaluated the samples in order to establish that the material obtained was adequate. The complications were documented. RESULTS: . A total of92 pancreas percutaneous biopsies were performed in 47 patients in the Interventionism service of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. In 86% ofthe biopsies two samples were taken and in the 14% remaining only one. It was possible to reach a diagnosis in 100% of the biopsies. Only two patients presented complications: a post-puncture pancreatic fistula that healed with conservative treatment and an intense post-puncture pain with vasovagal reaction that reverted with the increase of venous return. CONCLUSION: Our results with the 16G needle are similar to those reported by other authors that used needles with lower gauge (18G or 20G). Thus, we can interpret that the percutaneous biopsy of transplanted pancreas under ultrasound guide with N16 Gauge needle is a safe (2.2% of complications) and efficient technique for the histopathological diagnosis of rejection (100%).

[Percutaneous CT-guided cutting needle biopsy of pulmonary lesions: retrospective analysis of 153 procedures]. / Utilidad de la biopsia percutánea core guiada por tomografía computada (TC) en lesiones pulmonares: experiencia de 7 años.

BACKGROUND: CT guided percutaneous biopsy of pulmonary lesions is a widely used technique. AIM: To evaluate the yield and complication rate of CT-guided percutaneous core biopsy of pulmonary lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 153 consecutive lung biopsies performed in a 7-year period was undertaken. Patients and lesions characteristics were reviewed. The yield for the diagnosis of malignant and benign lesions and the complication rate were calculated. Lesion size and depth from the pleural surface were analyzed as potential predictive variables for occurrence of a false-negative diagnosis of malignancy. The final diagnosis was established by surgical biopsy of the lesion or clinical and imaging follow up. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 66 ± 14 years and 55% were mole. The final diagnosis of the lesion was malignant in 139 and benign in 14 cases (prevalence of malignancy 90.8%). For the diagnosis of malignancy, the overall yield of the biopsy was 91.5%o with a sensitivity of 90.6%>. A specific diagnosis of benign lesions was obtained in 5 out of l4 biopsies (35%). We did not identify an association between the lesion size or depth and the rate of false-negative diagnosis of malignancy. The pneumothorax rate was 13.7%o (n = 21) and eight (38%) required drainage. The average lesion depth of patients that had a pneumothorax was significant greater than the cases without the complication. No major bleeding complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous CT-guided cutting needle biopsies of pulmonary lesions have an excellent diagnostic accuracy for malignant pulmonary lesions, at a low complication rate.

Utilidad de la biopsia percutánea core guiada por tomografía computada (TC) en lesiones pulmonares: experiencia de 7 años / Percutaneous CT-guided cutting needle biopsy of pulmonary lesions: Retrospective analysis of 153 procedures

Background: CT guided percutaneous biopsy of pulmonary lesions is a widely used technique. Aim: To evaluate the yield and complication rate of CT-guided percutaneous core biopsy of pulmonary lesions. Material and Methods: A retrospective study of 153 consecutive lung biopsies performed in a 7-yearperiod was undertaken. Patients and lesions characteristics were reviewed. The yield for the diagnosis of malignant and benign lesions and the complication rate were calculated. Lesion size and depth from the pleural surface were analyzed as potential predictive variables for occurrence of a false-negative diagnosis of malignancy. The final diagnosis was established by surgical biopsy of the lesion or clinical and imaging follow up. Results: The mean age of patients was 66 ± 14 years and 55% were mole. The final diagnosis of the lesion was malignant in 139 and benign in 14 cases (prevalence of malignancy 90.8%). For the diagnosis of malignancy, the overall yield ofthe biopsy was 91.5%o with a sensitivity of 90.6%>. A specific diagnosis of benign lesions was obtained in 5 out ofl4 biopsies (35%). We did not identify an association between the lesion size or depth and the rate of false-negative diagnosis of malignancy. The pneumothorax rate was 13.7%o (n = 21) and eight (38%) required drainage. The average lesion depth of patients that had a pneumothorax was significant greater than the cases without the complication. No major bleeding complications occurred. Conclusions: Percutaneous CT-guided cutting needle biopsies of pulmonary lesions have an excellent diagnostic accuracy for malignant pulmonary lesions, at a low complication rate.

Bismuth subgallate as a topical haemostatic agent at the palatal wounds: a histologic study in dogs.

This study evaluated the early recovery process of the palatal wounds of dogs using bismuth subgallate. Five healthy adult male dogs underwent eight 5-mm partial-thickness punch biopsies in two paired columns on the palatal mastigatory mucosa. For the haemostasis, one side received moistened gauze pressure (test group 1), and the other received bismuth subgallate (test group 2). A description of the epithelium and connective tissue repair was made at 3, 7, 14 and 21 days. During the first days, a mass of disorganized tissue covered the connective tissue, in which there was intense chronic inflammation, and migration of epithelium cells from the edges towards the central region to close to the wound was seen. The final evaluation demonstrated well organized epithelial and connective tissues in all the samples. Epithelium thickness was measured at 0, 14 and 21 days, from images of the digitalized histological sections. In comparisons between the test groups, the bismuth subgallate group was slightly better than the saline group, but no statistically significant difference was found at 21 days. It was possible to conclude that bismuth subgallate did not interfere in the tissue repair of the palatal mastigatory mucosa in dogs.