CT-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNA) of Abdomen

What This Procedure Is

Computed tomography (CT) creates detailed cross-sectional images of the body. During a CT-guided fine-needle aspiration, a radiologist uses those images to guide a very thin needle to a specific spot in the abdomen. A small amount of cells or fluid is drawn into the needle and then sent to a laboratory for examination. It is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery for sampling deep abdominal lesions.

Why It May Be Done

Your care team may recommend this procedure to investigate a mass, cyst, enlarged lymph node, or abnormal fluid collection seen on earlier imaging. The sample can help determine whether tissue is benign or malignant, whether an infection is present, or what type of cells are involved. It is often performed when a simple blood test or scan does not provide a clear answer.

How to Prepare

Preparation varies by patient and facility, so follow your care team's specific instructions. You may be asked about medications, especially blood thinners, and about allergies to contrast dye or numbing medicine. You may need to avoid eating or drinking for a period before the procedure. Tell your care team about pregnancy, bleeding disorders, or any medications you take.

What to Expect and Aftercare

The procedure is usually done as an outpatient or short-stay visit. You may receive local numbing medicine and sometimes light sedation. The radiologist inserts the needle while watching CT images, which takes only a short time once positioning is complete. Afterward you will be monitored for a brief period for bleeding or discomfort, and you will receive instructions about activity and when to seek help. Results are typically available after a pathologist examines the sample.