[Transjugular liver biopsy with a modified Tru-Cut system: a retrospective study of its successes and complications]

Abstract

Purpose: Evaluation of success and complications in transjugular liver biopsy with a semiautomatic device.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 27 transjugular liver biopsies with a modified Tru-Cut system was performed on 25 patients between 3/95 and 12/97.

Results: In 26 of 27 biopsies (96.4%) histopathologically useful liver parenchyma could be obtained. In only one case unspecific connective tissue was found. There were no clinically evident complications, only one parenchymal hematoma was observed by ultrasound (1/27 = 3.6%).

Conclusion: The tested device was highly successful in obtaining liver biopsies on patients suffering from coagulopathies with a low complication rate and a simple use.