Ultrasound-guided nerve block prior to biopsy of suspected neurogenic tumors: safety and feasibility in a pilot study

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the safety and feasibility of ultrasound-guided nerve block prior to biopsy of potentially neurogenic tumors. Materials and methods: A retrospective review of the medical record from June 2017 to June 2022 identified ultrasound-guided biopsies of potentially neurogenic tumors that were performed with a pre-procedural nerve block. Patient demographics, biopsy site, number of passes, needle gauge, use of sedation, pathology results, and procedural complications were recorded and summarized. Results: The structured search found 16 patients that underwent biopsies of 18 potentially neurogenic tumors with the use of a pre-procedural nerve block at a variety of upper and lower extremity locations. Average patient age was 52 (range 18–78) and 9 patients (56%) were female. Of the 16 patients, 10 were performed without intravenous sedation. Three patients were unable to tolerate biopsy until a nerve block was used. All biopsies yielded a diagnostic sample with 13 of the tumors neurogenic in origin. One patient reported mild postprocedural pain which resolved with conservative treatment; no other complications were reported. Conclusion: Nerve block prior to ultrasound-guided biopsy of potentially neurogenic tumors is a safe and feasible technique. Further study is needed to determine the extent to which nerve block can decrease intra-procedural pain and reduce or eliminate the need for sedation during biopsy.