Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine, Vol 15, Issue 5 401-404, Copyright © 1996 by American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
Safety of transvaginal fine needle puncture of gynecologic masses: a report after 500 consecutive procedures
G. Zanetta, A. Lissoni, D. Franchi, M. R. Pittelli, G. Cormio and D. Trio
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ospedale S. Gerardo, Monza, Italy.
Transvaginal sonographically guided puncture may be used for diagnostic and
therapeutic purpose in general gynecology and in oncology. To define the
complication rate of this technique, 500 consecutive procedures were
reviewed; 289 procedures were on cystic masses, 146 on solid tumors, 34 on
mixed tumors, and 31 on other lesions. No life-threatening complications
occurred. Early mild and self-limited complications developed in eight
procedures (1.6%). Short-term complications occurred in four cases (0.8%;
two infections, one pelvic pain, one hemorrhage); two of these required
surgery. Transvaginal sonographically guided puncture is safe and does not
entail a higher risk of infection than transabdominal punctures.
