Conventional forceps or hot biopsy: comparative study of two methods in diagnosis of endobronchial lesions.

BACKGROUND It is suggested that hot electrocoagulation-enabled forceps (hot biopsy) may reduce hemorrhage risk after the biopsy in endobronchial tumors. The main concern in this method is possible reduction of the specimen's quality. OBJECTIVES To compare the procedure related hemorrhage with hot biopsy and conventional forceps biopsy and the diagnostic quality of the obtained specimens with either technique. METHODS In this prospective study, assessment of the biopsy samples and quantity of hemorrhage were done in a blind fashion. At first, for each patient a definite clinical diagnosis was made based on pathologic examination of all available samples, clinical data, and imaging findings. Then, second pathologist reviewed all samples to evaluate the quality of the samples. RESULTS A total of 36 patients with endobronchial lesions were included in this study. Definite diagnosis was made in 83% of the patients. Diagnostic yield of the two methods were not statistically different, while the mean hemorrhage grades of all hot biopsy protocols were significantly lower as compared to that of conventional biopsy (p=0.003, p<0.001 and p<0.001 for 10,20and40 voltages respectively). No significant difference was detected between the qualities of specimens obtained by hot biopsy methods in comparison with conventional biopsy (p>0.05 for all three voltages). CONCLUSIONS Hot biopsy can be a valuable alternative to forceps biopsy in evaluating endobronchial lesions.