Efficacy and Safety of 20G vs. 22G Needles in CT-Guided Transthoracic Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsies

Aim: This study aims to compare the diagnostic accuracy and complication rates of 20G and 22G needles in transthoracic fine needle aspiration biopsy (TFNAB). Method: This retrospective study reviewed lung biopsy results from procedures performed between January 2018 and March 2020. Patients included had non-diagnostic bronchoscopic biopsies or were deemed inappropriate for bronchoscopic biopsy. A total of 127 patients underwent Computed tomography (CT) guided TFNAB using either 20G or 22G needles. Data on lesion size, localization, diagnostic adequacy, and complications were collected and analyzed. Results: The study cohort included 127 patients with a mean age of 63.21 years. Of these, 72 underwent biopsies with a 22G needle and 55 with a 20G needle. The overall diagnostic accuracy was 96.8%, with no significant differences between the 20G and 22G needle groups (p=0.206). Complications occurred in 59 patients (46.5%), with pneumothorax being the most common, and two cases required chest tube placement. The rate of pulmonary hemorrhage was 18.9%. There were no significant differences in complication rates between the needle sizes (p=0.985). Conclusion: CT-guided TFNAB using both 20G and 22G needles is safe and effective, with high diagnostic accuracy and low complication rates. The choice of needle size does not significantly impact diagnostic outcomes or complication rates, allowing clinicians flexibility based on patient-specific factors and procedural requirements.