Percutaneous transperitoneal fluoroscopy-guided fine-needle biopsy of lymph nodes.

After lymphography from the foot, with uncertain findings, fine-needle biopsy during fluoroscopy was performed in 107 patients. In 69 patients with possible metastases, involvement was demonstrated in 46, confirmed in 43 at operation. Lymph node involvement by general lymphatic disease was suggested in 38 patients, with biopsy confirmation in 12. In metastatic disease non-representative material was obtained in only 2 patients, in general lymphatic disease in 10. No significant complications occurred, and the side effects were small.