Comparison with 16G and 18G biopsy needles in the CT-guided puncture biopsy of Pulmonary mass

Objective: To compare safety and efficacy of 16G and 18G biopsy needles in the CT-guided puncture biopsy of Pulmonary mass. Methods: 102 patients with Pulmonary mass (50 cases in the 16G group and 52 cases in the 18G group) were retrospectively analyzed. Under the guidance of CT, 16G or 18G biopsy needles were used for biopsy by percutaneous lung puncture, and complications such as puncture success rate, pathological positive rate, hemorrhage caused by puncture and pneumothorax were compared between the two groups. Results: The puncture success rate was 100% in both groups, the pathological positive rate was 98.00% in 16G biopsy needle group, including 42 cases of malignant tumors, and the pathological positive rate was 94.23% in 18G biopsy needle group, including 43 cases of malignant tumors, with out significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The incidence of hemorrhage was 30.39% in two groups, 30.00% in 16G biopsy needle group and 30.77% in 18G biopsy needle group, did not show any significant differences between these two groups (P > 0.05). The pneumothorax incidence rate in two groups was 25.49%, 34.00% in 16G biopsy needle group, which was significantly higher than 17.31% in the 18G biopsy needle group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: 16G and 18G biopsy needles are safe and effective in the biopsy of pulmonary mass. There is no difference in the pathological positive rate and hemorrhage, but the pneumothorax incidence of 16G biopsy needle is higher. (authors)