Description:
Image guided needle aspiration of cysts can be used as part of a diagnostic work up with aspirate analysed by laboratory testing. Aspiration can also be used as a therapeutic procedure with the intent of decreasing cyst volume to relieve symptoms caused by pressure on the spinal cord.
The procedure is usually undertaken under local anaesthesia. A small gauge needle is inserted into the cysts using imaging guidance with nearly real-time visualisation where available. A range of image guidance modalities have been used as part of this procedure. Cystic liquid is then withdrawn, and decrease in cyst volume documented by imaging. Where cysts develop at more than one spinal level, more than one aspiration procedures may be needed.
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