Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration: A single-center experience from 2010 to 2015

Abstract

Background and Objectives:Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) allows obtaining adequate material for cytological diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal (GI) lesions that is safe with complication rate ~2%. It is more advantageous over other imaging techniques since it provides real-time imaging and reduction of complications due to the needle proximity to the lesion. Worldwide, data support EUS-FNA in providing cytological diagnosis (80%–95%) with sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 100%, respectively.Methods:This retrospective cross-sectional study included adults who underwent upper GI EUS-FNA from January 2010 to December 2015 at St Luke’s Medical Center, Global City. Blood dyscrasia and history of steroid-, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug- or any anticoagulant-intake were excluded. Medical records were obtained from our databank. Demographics, indications with corresponding success rates, EUS-FNA technique, and complications were reviewed. Frequency, central tendency, variability, and effect measures were used.Results:From the 423 upper GI EUS, 68 patients underwent EUS-FNA (7:1 female:male ratio, mean age 62.1 ± 14.9 years). Mean size (mm) of the lesions observed was 33.3 ± 16.4 (range 4–90). Most frequent location was pancreas (63%), with 81% observed solid lesions (63% adenocarcinoma). Average number of passes is 3 (range 1–6). Indications were cyst aspiration and biopsy of submucosal mass, lymph node, deeper luminal lesions, and solid pancreatic lesions. Success rate ranges 97%–100%. Complication rate was 1.3% as mild pancreatitis. No hemorrhage, perforation, infection, or tumor-seeding was observed.Conclusion:EUS-FNA is a safe and effective diagnostic modality in obtaining definitive histologic diagnosis of upper GI lesions with 97–100% success rate. Complication rate is 1.3%.