Laparoscopic liver biopsy performed safely in a child with hepatic dysfunction: report of a case

Abstract

We performed laparoscopic liver biopsy in a 10-year-old girl with acute myelocytic leukemia and coagulopathy. Each biopsy was taken under laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS) guidance, and hemostasis was achieved with an argon beam coagulator (ABC). These instruments were introduced through one 10/12-mm port, which also allowed the insertion of surgical gauze for direct compression. By using LUS, ABC, and one full-sized working port, laparoscopic liver biopsy becomes a viable and safer alternative, even for children with coagulopathy.