Can an omentum biopsy be performed using a needle biopsy technique?

From the Guidelines

Yes, an omentum biopsy can be performed using a needle biopsy technique, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study available 1. This procedure, known as a percutaneous omental biopsy, involves inserting a specialized needle through the abdominal wall under imaging guidance (typically ultrasound or CT) to obtain tissue samples from the omentum. The procedure is minimally invasive and can be performed under local anesthesia, often on an outpatient basis. The needle used is typically a core biopsy needle that can extract a small cylinder of tissue, providing more material for analysis than a fine needle aspiration. For optimal results, patients should fast for 6-8 hours before the procedure and inform their doctor about any medications they're taking, especially blood thinners which may need to be temporarily discontinued. The needle biopsy approach is particularly useful for diagnosing conditions like peritoneal carcinomatosis, tuberculosis, or other pathologies affecting the omentum. However, it's worth noting that in some cases, especially when larger tissue samples are needed or when the omental abnormality is difficult to access percutaneously, surgical approaches like laparoscopy or laparotomy may be preferred for omental biopsy. Key considerations for the procedure include:

• The use of imaging guidance to ensure accurate placement of the needle
• The selection of the appropriate needle type and size for the procedure
• The importance of proper patient preparation, including fasting and medication management
• The potential benefits and limitations of the needle biopsy approach compared to surgical alternatives. Overall, the decision to perform an omentum biopsy using a needle biopsy technique should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual patient's needs and circumstances, as well as the availability of necessary resources and expertise 1.

From the Research

Omentum Biopsy Using Needle Biopsy Technique

• An omentum biopsy can be performed using a needle biopsy technique, as evidenced by several studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• The studies demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous omental biopsy in diagnosing malignant and benign omental pathology.
• Different needle biopsy techniques have been used, including fine-needle aspiration 3 and core-needle biopsy 2, 4, 5.
• The diagnostic yield of omental biopsy using a needle biopsy technique is high, with studies reporting diagnostic rates of 89% to 99% 2, 5, 6.
• The choice of needle size and type may not significantly affect the diagnostic yield, as suggested by some studies 5, 6.
• Minor complications have been reported in a small number of cases, but overall, the procedure is considered safe 3, 5, 6.
• The use of imaging guidance, such as ultrasound or CT, can help improve the accuracy and safety of the biopsy procedure 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.