Surgeon performed ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirates of the thyroid: 1067 biopsies and learning curve in a teaching center.

Background: Surgeon performed ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspirates (UG-FNAs) reduce delay in diagnosis and allow for surgeon surveillance. We present the first report on a learning curve and impact of head and neck surgical trainees on adequacy rates.

Methods: Thyroid UG-FNA biopsies from 2009 to 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Specimen adequacy, cytologic diagnosis, and surgical pathology were used to calculate adequacy and accuracy.

Results: One thousand sixty-seven biopsies were examined in 723 individuals. The adequacy rate from adoption into practice improved from 71% to 78% to 85% over 300 cases. When UG-FNA was subsequently taught to trainees, adequacy rates varied among trainees (p < .037), and there were higher nondiagnostic rates earlier in training (p = .04). Adequacy was not related to size or palpability, but cystic lesions yielded more inadequate specimens (p < .001).

Conclusion: Surgeon performed UG-FNA biopsy can be performed adequately in an outpatient setting. Adequacy rates reach acceptable levels after 300 cases, whereas trainee involvement impacts adequacy rates. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1281-E1284, 2016.