# Precision distance control in ultrasound-guided coaxial needle biopsy for small liver cancer: improving safety and diagnostic accuracy yield

## TL;DR

This study shows that using a coaxial needle biopsy under ultrasound guidance improves safety and accuracy for diagnosing small liver cancer.

## Contribution

The study introduces a coaxial cannula method to precisely control biopsy specimen length, improving diagnostic yield and safety.

## Key findings

- The coaxial group had a higher pathological detection rate (95.6%) compared to the non-coaxial group (89%).
- The coaxial method reduced intraoperative bleeding detection and post-procedure pain compared to the non-coaxial method.

## Abstract

The diagnostic yield of percutaneous biopsy for small liver cancer is affected by lesion size and location. This study utilizes small components with a coaxial cannula to enables precise control over specimen length, aiming to evaluate the safety and clinical applicability of ultrasound-guided coaxial needle biopsy.

In the coaxial group, the biopsy gun’s position relative to the coaxial cannula was adjusted, and small components were used to control specimen length. Thrombin (1–2 KU) was injected along the needle tract post-procedure. In the non-coaxial group, multiple needle insertions targeted the lesion edge. Complications and pathology results were recorded to assess clinical efficacy.

A retrospective analysis of 744 patients from Jiangsu Provincial Cancer Hospital showed a higher pathological detection rate in the coaxial group (95.6%, 198/207) than in the non-coaxial group (89%, 478/537). Intraoperative bleeding was more easily detected in the coaxial group, allowing timely intervention. Pain was reported in 15% (31/207) versus 30% (161/537), respectively. No needle tract implantation occurred in either group.

Ultrasound-guided coaxial needle biopsy for small liver cancer (≤2 cm) significantly improves diagnostic accuracy (P = 0.005), reduces procedure complexity and complications, and enhances patient outcomes, demonstrating excellent safety and clinical value.