Postbiopsy splenic bleeding in a dog model: Comparison of cauterization, embolization, and plugging of the needle tract

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to compare radiofrequency cauterization, embolization using an absorbable gelatin sponge, and a Histoacryl-Lipiodol mixture plugging as postbiopsy bleeding reduction methods after splenic core needle biopsy in a dog model. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Eleven mongrel dogs were randomly separated into nonheparinized (n = 5) and heparinized (n = 6) groups. Eight splenic biopsies per animal were performed using an 18-gauge automated core biopsy needle: two as controls, two ablated by radiofrequency, two embolized using an absorbable gelatin sponge, and two plugged using a Histoacryl-Lipiodol mixture. Procedure times and postbiopsy bleeding amounts were assessed. Statistically significant differences were determined by repeated measures analysis of variance; the Tukey-Kramer test for multiple comparisons was used for post hoc comparisons. Three-day follow-up CT scans were obtained to check for procedure-related complications or delayed bleeding. RESULTS. The postbiopsy bleeding reduction groups showed significantly less blood loss than the control group for both the nonheparinized (p<0.0001) and heparinized groups (p < 0.0001). In the heparinized group, both radiofrequency cauterization (p < 0.01) and gelatin sponge embolization (p < 0.05) significantly reduced bleeding compared with Histoacryl-Lipiodol mixture plugging. Gelatin sponge embolization was the longest procedure (p < 0.00 1). On follow-up CT, no delayed bleeding was observed. However, multiple Histoacryl-Lipiodol emboli were observed in the splenic and portal veins in all the dogs we treated. CONCLUSION. Radiofrequency cauterization was found to be the most useful postbiopsy bleeding reduction method in terms of the amount of bleeding and the procedure time.