Percutaneous Liver Biopsies Guided with Ultrasonography: A Case Series

Background: although liver biopsy is an easy procedure for hospitalized patients and outpatients, some complications may occur. objectives: to evaluate the efficiency, complications, safety and clinicopathological utility of ultrasonographic-guided percutaneous liver biopsy in diffuse liver disease. patients and methods: in our retrospective study, we evaluated ultrasound-assisted needle biopsies that were performed in outpatients from october 2006 to july 2010. the liver biopsies were performed following one-night fasting using the tru-cut biopsy gun (18-20 gauge) after marking the best seen and hypovascular part of the liver, distant enough from the adjacent organs. results: a total of 1018 patients were referred to our radiology department. most of the patients had hepatitis b (60.6%). the biopsy specimens were recorded and sent to our pathology department for histopathological examination. conclusion: according to the results of our series, percutaneous liver biopsy using the tru-cut biopsy gun guided by ultrasonography can be performed safely. we resolve that routine ultrasound of the puncture site is a quick, effective and safe procedure. the complication rate is very low. the us-assisted percutaneous liver biopsy should be used for all cases.