Tuberc Respir Dis.  2009 Feb;66(2):110-115.

Comparison of Forcep-biopsy and Cryo-biopsy by a Flexible Bronchoscopy

• Kim JH
• Choi JM
• Song SE
• Lee EM
• Lee SJ
• Oak CH
• Jang TW
• Jung MH
• Jang HK

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A forceps-biopsy is performed to acquire tissue from patients with an endobronchial carcinoma using a flexible bronchoscope. Recently, a cryo-biopsy has also been used to acquire tissue samples. Cryo-biopsy is the diagnostic application of extreme cold for the local destruction of abnormal living tissue. This technique is safe, with no radiation danger, no risk of electrical accidents, and a little risk of bleeding. This study compared a forceps-biopsy with a cryo-biopsy using a flexible bronchoscope, and examined the chemosensitivity and level of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) in the specimens obtained from the cryo-biopsy.
METHODS
We present a prospective study of 30 consecutive patients who underwent a forceps-biopsy between January 2007 and October 2007 with a mean age of 62.1 years and a male:female ratio of 5 : 1. A flexible bronchoscope was inserted to the area of the abnormal lesions, and a cryo-probe was then applied through the working channel of the flexible bronchoscope. A temperature of approximately -80 was delivered to the tumor site for 8 seconds. The cryo-biopsy was performed after destroying the tumor mass.
RESULTS
The mean size of the tissue from the forceps-biopsy and cryo-biopsy were 2.0+/-1.2 mm and 6.0+/-3.0 mm. A chemosensitivity test was performed on 5 specimens obtained using cryo-biopsy and the level of VEGF was examined in 2 specimens obtained from a cryo-biopsy. There were no side effects in either group.
CONCLUSION
Cryo-biopsy using a flexible bronchoscope is a safe and effective technique for acquiring tissue samples.

Keyword

Forcep-biopsy; Cryo-biopsy; Endobronchial carcinoma

MeSH Terms

Bronchoscopes
Bronchoscopy
Extreme Cold
Hemorrhage
Humans
Prospective Studies
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Figure

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  Figure 1 Procedure of the cryo-biopsy.

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  Figure 2 Comparison of microscopic findings from bronchial specimens obtained by forcep biopsy (A, size 2.0±1.2 mm) and cryo biopsy (B, size 6.0±3.0 mm) (H&E stain, ×400).

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  Figure 3 Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) expression (arrows) in cryo biopsy (VEGF stain, ×400).

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