[Optimization of the fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of thyroid nodules- automatic aspirator versus manual technique]

Nuklearmedizin. 2011;50(5):189-94. doi: 10.3413/nukmed-0387-11-02. Epub 2011 Jul 5.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Objective: Optimization of a specially developed automatic microaspirator for fine-needle aspiration of suspicious thyroid nodules.

Patients, method: In a preliminary test biopsy effectiveness was evaluated in 20 native resected thyroid glands in vitro with both a Cameco® gun and a specially designed microaspirator respectively. In addition in both techniques two different needles (21-G and 27-G) were used to evaluate the influence of these two cannula. Subsequently, 103 thyroid nodules were biopsied in vivo and compared the results with a preliminary series of the same physician. In the workup and evaluation of the cytology the ThinPrep® technology was used.

Results: In vitro the automatic microaspirator was superior to Cameco gun in both when using the 21-Gauge and the 27-Gauge needle. In terms of needle sizes a statistically significant difference at the 95% confidence level was evident for both comparisons in favor of 21-gauge needle. In vivo, 91% of punctures with the microaspirator were usable, while in the pre-series only 84% were usable (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The automatic microaspirator is superior to the manual aspiration. Moreover, under sonographic control it is more convenient, to biopsy even very small nodules and lesiosn (down to 4 mm in diameter).

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle / instrumentation*
  • Biopsy, Fine-Needle / methods*
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Robotics / instrumentation*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Thyroid Nodule / diagnostic imaging*
  • Thyroid Nodule / pathology*
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional