CT-guided percutaneous large-bore biopsies in benign and malignant pediatric lesions.

Thirty-nine consecutive pediatric patients underwent large-bore biopsies of 41 lesions under computed tomography (CT) guidance; general anesthesia was not required. Adequate material was obtained in all patients. There were no false-negative or false-positive results. Typing accuracy was 100% in malignant disease and 92% in benign lesions. No significant complications occurred. Percutaneous large-bore biopsy is a safe, reliable, and time-saving method that obviates the need for open surgery and general anesthesia in the diagnosis of primarily non-resectable lesions, or lesions that do not require resection. Another major advantage over open surgery in malignant disease is the absence of delay in starting urgently needed chemotherapy.