Endoscopy 1980; 12(4): 151-154
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1021733
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Comparison of Standard and Large Forceps for Transbronchial Lung Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Lung Infiltrates

K.P. Wang, R.A. Wise, P.B. Terry, J. Kaplan, E.J. Britt, E.F. Haponik, W.R. Summer, B. Marsh
  • Departments of Medicine and Otolaryngology, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland 21205
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
17 March 2008 (online)

Summary

In order to determine whether larger biopsy forceps improve the diagnostic yield over smaller standard forceps, we performed 30 transbronchial biopsy procedures in 28 patients with lung infiltrates using three types of instruments.

We found that compared to the standard forceps specimens the large forceps acquired larger specimens in 22 of 29 procedures and that the alligator forceps acquired larger specimens in 7 of 10 procedures. However, in only 2 of the 29 procedures did the larger biopsy specimen alter the pathologic diagnosis.

Four of the patients subsequently underwent open lung biopsy which did not alter the pathologic diagnosis from the transbronchial biopsy procedure.

We conclude that the large forceps do not significantly improve the diagnostic yield of transbronchial biopsy in our patients.

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