Diagnostic Biopsy Procedures

Needle sampling, either by fine needle cytology or core needle histopathology, has effectively revolutionized the ease of surgical diagnosis in many situations. Adequate needle diagnostic procedures have alleviated the need for anesthesia and open biopsy in most circumstances, permitting one-stage surgical intervention in many settings. As such, treatment has frequently been made more convenient and often less painful for the patient, and in many cases less costly for the healthcare system. This chapter deals with the risks and complications of needle diagnostic biopsy procedures.