Background and Aims: Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) which is used for making a cytological diagnosis has become an indispensable component of the work-up of many abnormalities. Intra-abdominal masses always remain an enigma in surgical practice. A documentary evidence of nature of pathology before institution of therapy is mandatory. The objectives of this study were to adopt Ultrasonography (USG) guided fine needle aspiration in the diagnosis of abdomino-pelvic masses, to assess its efficacy and to study the cytological features of these masses.

Materials and Methods: Twohundred patients with clinically or sonologically diagnosed abdomino-pelvic masses were taken up for the study. FNAC was performed under real time USG guidance. Two to four smears were prepared for each case. Air-dried smears were stained with wright’s stain and wet fixed smears were stained with H&E and Pap.

Results: The intra-abdominal and pelvic masses were divided according to the organ involved. The commonest organ to be involved was liver with 120 (59.79%) cases followed by gastrointestinal masses with 21 (11.34%) cases and miscellaneous soft tissue and retroperitoneal masses with 21 (11.34%) cases. Ovary was involved in 12 (6.18%) cases. Intra-abdominal lymph nodes were involved in 16 (7.21%) of cases. Pancreas 5 (2.57%), kidney 2 (1.03%) cases, spleen 2(1.03%) cases and gall bladder 1(0.55%).

Conclusion: USG guided FNAC is a relatively simple, economical, quick and safe,nonin­vasive procedure, highly accurate and a safe diagnostic procedure which can pre-empt a lengthy and expensive workup in various abdomino-pelvic masses.

Keywords: Abdomino-Pelvic Masses; FNAC; Ultrasonography.