OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to review our experience with transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsies in women with a pelvic mass, with respect to obtaining an adequate sample, the influence of biopsy results on patient management, and patient tolerance. STUDY METHODS: We conducted a chart review of all women at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) that had been clinically referred for TRUS-guided biopsies of a pelvic mass. Data collected included patient age, previous type of malignancy, size and location of lesion being biopsied, postbiopsy diagnosis, and subsequent management. Statistics were purely descriptive. RESULTS: Eight women have had this procedure at PMH. The smallest size of lesion biopsied was 1.7 x 1.4 x 2.3 cm. In all eight women, the tissue obtained was adequate for the determination of a histological diagnosis and subsequently influenced patient management. The procedure was well tolerated and there were no complications. CONCLUSION: TRUS-guided biopsy of a pelvic mass is a feasible method of establishing a pathological diagnosis. In this small series of patients, it was found to be accurate, well tolerated, and useful in guiding patient management. In selected patients, the TRUS biopsy provides a useful alternative to transabdominal and transvaginal biopsy.
OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to review our experience with transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsies in women with a pelvic mass, with respect to obtaining an adequate sample, the influence of biopsy results on patient management, and patient tolerance. STUDY METHODS: We conducted a chart review of all women at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) that had been clinically referred for TRUS-guided biopsies of a pelvic mass. Data collected included patient age, previous type of malignancy, size and location of lesion being biopsied, postbiopsy diagnosis, and subsequent management. Statistics were purely descriptive. RESULTS: Eight women have had this procedure at PMH. The smallest size of lesion biopsied was 1.7 x 1.4 x 2.3 cm. In all eight women, the tissue obtained was adequate for the determination of a histological diagnosis and subsequently influenced patient management. The procedure was well tolerated and there were no complications. CONCLUSION: TRUS-guided biopsy of a pelvic mass is a feasible method of establishing a pathological diagnosis. In this small series of patients, it was found to be accurate, well tolerated, and useful in guiding patient management. In selected patients, the TRUS biopsy provides a useful alternative to transabdominal and transvaginal biopsy.