[Sensitivity of fine-needle puncture-biopsy in the histologic diagnosis of hepatic and pancreatic malignant tumors].

Aspiration-biopsies under ultrasound guidance, using a fine needle (external diameter inferior to 1 mm) have been performed in 61 malignant hepatic tumors (group I) and 25 pancreatic carcinomas (group II). Malignancy was diagnosed in 83 p. 100 cases; in group I, the sensitivity is 87 p. 100; the difference between hepatocellular carcinoma and liver metastases could be made in 88 p. 100 cases and in case of metastases, the site of the primitive carcinoma could be suggested in 77 p. 100 cases. In group II, the sensitivity is 72 p. 100. No complications were noted.