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Liver biopsy

Authoring team

Biopsy of a hepatic lesion will provide a histological diagnosis.

The biopsy is performed with a Trucut needle under ultrasound or CT guidance.

The following criteria should be met before a patient undergoes a liver biopsy:

  • the prothrombin time should not exceed the control by more than 3 seconds
  • the platelet count should exceed 100x10^9/l
  • there should be no biliary dilatation or major ascites
  • the patient should be able to hold his or her breath for longer than 20 seconds
  • the patient should give informed consent

Complications include:

  • mortality is a very rare complication (0.17%)
  • haemorrhage (about 0.5%)
  • biliary peritonitis - more common in patients with extrahepatic bile duct obstruction
  • bacteraemia occurs in about 15% of cases

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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