Survey on Biopsy Practices for Kidney Masses Among UK Urologists
Author Information
Author(s): Azhar A Khan, Iqbal S Shergill, Sheila Quereshi, Manit Arya, Mohammed T Vandal, Sandeep S Gujral
Primary Institution: Bristol Urological Institute, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
Hypothesis
What are the current practices and attitudes of UK consultant urologists towards percutaneous needle biopsy in the management of indeterminate renal masses?
Conclusion
UK consultant urologists have varied practices regarding percutaneous biopsy for indeterminate renal masses, with many believing it offers no benefit.
Supporting Evidence
- 43% of urologists never use biopsy.
- 34% always use biopsy for diagnosis.
- 23% use biopsy only for selected patients.
- 87% of those not using biopsy cite false negative results as a concern.
- 58% believe biopsy will not change management.
Takeaway
Doctors in the UK have different opinions on using needle biopsies to check kidney lumps, and many think it doesn't help patients.
Methodology
A national questionnaire survey was conducted among UK consultant urologists to assess their practices and attitudes towards percutaneous needle biopsy.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in responses due to self-reporting and the exclusion of incomplete questionnaires.
Limitations
The survey responses may not represent all urologists in the UK, and some responses were excluded due to incompleteness.
Participant Demographics
Consultant urologists from various UK hospitals.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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