Abstract
Although the histopathology of biopsy specimens is most useful in transbronchial diagnostic procedures for solitary pulmonary nodules, the biopsy forceps is sometimes unable to hit the lesion depending on the site. We performed this study with a 5Fr teflon sheath to obtain more accurate biopsy in five cases with pulmonary nodules which could be approached accurately by curettes but not by biopsy forceps. Curettes inserted through the teflon sheath reach the lesion through control of the tip and the sheaths are advanced to the lesion under the guidance of the curette. Then, the curette is replaced by the biopsy forceps and biopsy is carried out. In three cases we obtained diagnostic materials including two adenocarcinomas and an epithelioid cell granuloma. No complication related to the insertion of the teflon sheath was observed, and neither cough reflex nor bleeding increased compared with usual technique. This new additional technique is necessary because it can be performed directly after conventional techniques if the teflon sheath is prepared.
