A prospective randomized study comparing 25-G and 22-G needles of a new platform for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of solid masses.

Background: A new needle platform for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy has been developed that allows interchangeability of all needle sizes.

Aims: To prospectively compare the efficacy of the new 25-G needles and 22-G needles for obtaining an adequate aspirate of solid masses.

Methods: Randomized controlled trial of 144 patients referred for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of solid pancreatic masses, intraparietal tumours, or lymph-nodes, randomized to the 25-G or 22-G needle arms.