US-guided fine needle agobiopsy of 1009 focal pancreatic lesions: accuracy and complications

Purpose: To assess accuracy and short-term complication rate of ultrasound- guided ne-needle aspiration cytologic sampling of focal pancreatic lesions. Material and Methods: We reviewed 1009 consecutive US-guided ne- needle aspiration cytologic sampling procedures for focal pancreatic lesions from January 2004 to december 2013. The procedures were performed with a 20- or 21-gauge needle. The onsite cytopathologist evaluated the appropriateness of the sample and made a diagnosis. We reviewed the nal diagnosis and the radiologic and medical records of all patients for onset of complications during or within 7 days of the procedure. Results: Sampling was diagnostic in 95.9% of cases. 41/1009 samples were nondiagnostic. In 7/1009 procedures (0.7%) abdominal uid was found within 72 h after the procedure, mainly after nondiagnostic sample. No major complications occurred. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided cytologic sampling is safe and accurate for diagnosis and planning of management of focal pancreatic lesions. With a cytologist on site, the rate of acquisition of samples adequate for diagnosis is high, reducing the need for patient recall.