Percutaneous aspiration biopsy of abdomen and retroperitoneum.

Percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy was performed in 38 patients. Adequate material for histological diagnosis was obtained in all. No false positive results were obtained and there was only one false negative result. The procedure was without complication in all patients. The biopsy material was obtained by the radiologist in the X-ray department following localisation of the lesion by ultrasound. The advantages of the early use of this technique in the evaluation of patients presenting with suspected mass lesions in the abdomen and retroperitoneum are described, and its contribution to the formulation of further patient management stressed.