Percutaneous transthoracic fine-needle lung biopsy with 3 different needles. A retrospective study of results and complications in 224 patients.

During 1986-1990, 307 percutaneous transthoracic fine-needle biopsies (PTNB) were performed on 224 patients (mean age 63 years, range 27-83) with three types of needles (Nordenström, Vacu-Cut and Franzén). The overall sensitivity regarding malignant disease in central and peripheral pulmonary lesions was 67.0%. In 71 patients with suspected malignancy and a negative PTNB, the examination was repeated and the sensitivity was increased to 79.5%. Each needle had the following sensitivity: Nordenström 67.4%, Vacu-Cut 75.7%, Franzén 75.9%. The overall pneumothorax frequency was 24.7%, being highest with the Nordenström needle. Hemoptysis was seen in 5 examinations. In conclusion, the Franzén and Vacu-Cut needles have a significantly higher sensitivity and a lower complication frequency compared to the Nordenström needle.