Laparoscopic grasper for intramedullary biopsy: A technique to improve tissue sampling

Abstract

Reaming samples are usually sent for histological testing to establish or confirm the primary source of malignancy while intramedullary nailing is performed for impending or established pathological fracture of the long bones. However, this conventional technique of sampling does not always yield accurate results. Herein, we introduce a technique for intramedullary biopsy using a laparoscopic grasper under image intensifier guidance. This novel technique was applied in three cases, and the tissue samples obtained successfully established or confirmed the primary source of malignancy. In comparison, reaming samples obtained via the conventional method showed negative findings in one case and tumour cells that were of poor sample quality in another case. We opine that this new technique is an effective and reproducible method that could improve tissue sampling and achieve a more reliable histological diagnosis.