[CT-guided biopsy: methods, results and complications].

Percutaneous CT-guided biopsies were carried out in 350 patients; on 291 occasions, 14- or 18-gauge and, on 59 occasions, an 0.95 mm cutting biopsy cannula was employed. Using the 14- and 18-gauge needles, a histological diagnosis was possible in 191 cases, a sensitivity of 82.7%. The 0.95 mm cannulas proved successful in 39 of the 59 punctures, producing a markedly lower sensitivity of 66.2%. The most common cause of an incorrect biopsy with large needles was bad position of the needle, whereas the small needles provided inadequate material. Complications which, however, did not require treatment, occurred in 5 patients (1.4%).