OUTPATIENT LIVER-BIOPSY - HOW SAFE IS IT

Percutaneous liver biopsy is being done more frequently as a result of major changes in the therapy of liver diseases. The ease and safety of outpatient. ''blind'' liver biopsy has been well established. Complication rates have ranged from 0.9% to 3.7%; most complications have become manifest within the first 3 hours after biopsy, and none has resulted in death. Nevertheless, differing guidelines may affect relative degrees of safety in different Centers. A review of reported series suggests that the Menghini technique may be the preferred first choice. with the Tru-Cut technique reserved for patients in whom an adequate sample cannot be obtained. The requirement of a normal bleeding time appears to decrease the incidence of hemorrhagic complications. The decision to use outpatient biopsy must be based on a careful assessment of the risks and benefits for each individual patient.