Initial experience with endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of renal masses: indications, applications and limitations.

CONTEXT Tissue sampling of renal masses is traditionally performed via the percutaneous approach or laparoscopicaly. The utility of endoscopic ultrasound to biopsy renal lesions it remains unclear and few cases have been reported. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the feasibility and outcome of endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration of renal tumors. METHODS Consecutive subjects undergoing attempted endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration of a kidney mass after evaluation with computerized tomography or magnetic resonance. RESULTS Ten procedures were performed in nine male patients (median age 54.7 years) on the right (n = 4) and left kidney (n = 4) and bilaterally (n = 1). Kidney masses (median diameter 55 mm ; range 13-160 mm) were located in the upper pole (n = 3), the lower pole (n = 2) and the mesorenal region (n = 3). In two cases, the mass involved more than one kidney region. Surgical resection confirmed renal cell carcinoma in six patients in whom pre-operative endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration demonstrated renal cell carcinoma. No complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS Endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration appears as a safe and feasible procedure with good results and minimal morbidity.