Percutaneous aspiration liver biopsy using a large-caliber disposable needle

Abstract

A modification of the aspiration liver biopsy technique using a large-caliber disposable needle is described in an 18-month experience. One hundred forty liver biopsies were performed, obtaining adequate tissue in 98% of the patients. Complications occurred in 12 patients and were limited to pain at the biopsy site, epigastrium, or right shoulder; one instance of tachycardia and three of transient hypotension occurred. Thirty patients studied prospectively with liver scans and hematologic parameters failed to disclose subclinical complications. While the number of patients biopsied is still too small to provide definite conclusions , it appears that this technique is safe, similar and has a very high yield of excellent specimens. In addition, the needle offers the advantage of being disposable and easy to use by a single operator.

Evaluating the Risks of Clinical Research

“…Systematic risk evaluations are not possible in that time frame. In [53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64] For daily life risks see Figure 1 legend. a Span of elongated data markers indicates range of estimated risk.…”

“…To further evaluate SERR, consider how it would categorize the risks of percutaneous liver biopsy. The literature [53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64] Estimated risks of epicutaneous allergy skin testing (per 100 000): transient pain (negligible), approximately 100 000; local allergic reaction (negligible), approximately 50 000; mild systemic allergic reaction (small), 11 to 30; moderate or severe systemic allergic reaction (moderate or significant), 2 to 5; and death (catastrophic), approximately 0 (1 case report). [45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52] Daily life risks in the United States (per 100 000): bruise (negligible), approximately 100 000 (all age groups); common cold ( 1 Using the harm scale (step 2, Box), and input from 3 physicians, 1 nurse, and 1 philosopher, the magnitude of these potential harms was categorized as follows: (1) negligible, (2-6) small, (7-12) moderate, (13-17) significant, and ( 18) catastrophic.…”

“…Based on the literature [53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64] and expert opinion, the likelihood estimates (step 3, Box) for the harms of percutaneous liver biopsy are provided in Figure 2. The likelihood estimates for potential harms in daily life are previously listed, plus a 0.03 per 100 000 risk of paraplegia.…”