Hydrodissection: A Novel Approach for Safe Core Needle Biopsy of Small High-Risk Subcapsular Thyroid Nodules.

PURPOSE To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of core needle biopsy (CNB) under the assistance of hydrodissection (HDS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Of 2325 patients requiring biopsy of thyroid lesions, 21 high-risk patients with subcapsular nodules smaller than 10 mm were recruited into this study. All patients underwent HDS with 0.9% saline solution followed by ultrasound (US)-guided CNB with an 18-gauge semi-automated biopsy needle. The separation success rate (SSR) of the HDS, technical success rate (TSR) of CNB, histopathologic success rate (HSR), and complications were assessed. RESULTS Both the SSR of HDS and TSR of CNB were 100% (21/21). The HSR of the thyroid nodules was 85.7% (18/21). No major complications were recorded. CONCLUSION HDS before CNB can successfully lead to safe biopsy of small subcapsular thyroid nodules. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level 4, Case Series.