Percutaneous Liver Biopsy

Excerpt

Percutaneous liver biopsy is a procedure where a needle is introduced through the skin and, eventually, liver tissue to obtain a specimen to help aid in the diagnosis, staging, and/or the development of treatment modalities for a variety of liver disorders. The first report of the procedure was in 1923. Given the advancements in imaging modalities such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) since that time, percutaneous liver biopsy can be further targeted towards specific lesions to improve biopsy accuracy and decrease the rate of overall complications. A liver biopsy is also an option, performed through a transvenous or laparoscopic route depending on the clinical context; however, the percutaneous route is generally the preferred approach. It is less invasive and less costly in comparison.