Accuracy and safety of percutaneous US-guided needle biopsies in specific focal liver lesions: comparison of large and small needles in 1300 patients.

Abstract

In uncertain diagnosis with modern imaging, we propose that large size cutting needles should be used in suspected liver metastasis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and regenerative nodules if cytopathologist was not present. Small needles can be successfully used as well as large ones in focal steatosis, infection-inflammation, and hemangioma of liver in unclear diagnosis.