Comparison of the Utilities of Cryobiopsy and Forceps Biopsy for Peripheral Lung Cancer

Abstract

Background/aim: This study aimed to compare the efficacies of cryobiopsy and forceps biopsy for peripheral lung cancer detection.

Patients and methods: A retrospective review of peripheral lung cancer cases between December 2017 and April 2019 was conducted. Forceps biopsy was performed followed by cryobiopsy using a guide sheath (GS). Diagnostic yields were compared between cryobiopsy and forceps biopsy.

Results: A total of 53 lung cancer lesions were evaluated. The diagnostic yields of forceps biopsy and cryobiopsy were 86.8% and 81.1%, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that cryobiopsy with a GS was significantly associated with increased diagnostic yield (odds ratio(OR)=11.6; p=0.044). Among the four patients who tested positive on cryobiopsy and negative on forceps biopsy, one had diffused pulmonary metastases and the others showed intratumoural air bronchograms.

Conclusion: Cryobiopsy using a GS can significantly increase diagnostic yield and help identify lesions with intratumoural air bronchograms and external wall lesions.

Keywords: Cryobiopsy; forceps biopsy; guide sheath; peripheral lung cancer; radial endobronchial ultrasound.