Liver transplant biopsies with a biopsy gun

Radiology. 1991 May;179(2):447-8. doi: 10.1148/radiology.179.2.2014290.

Abstract

The authors evaluated the safety and efficacy of a biopsy gun for performance of image-guided percutaneous biopsy of hepatic allografts in liver transplant recipients. Two hundred fifty-two liver biopsies were performed in 58 transplant recipients over a 27-month period by using this instrument with an 18-gauge needle. Major complications occurred in two of the 252 biopsies (0.8%): One hemopneumothorax necessitated drainage with a chest tube, and one hemorrhage necessitated transfusion. No patient required surgical exploration because of a complication of the biopsy. Specimens were adequate for accurate histopathologic diagnosis in 248 of 252 procedures (98.4%). The authors conclude that image-guided percutaneous biopsy of hepatic allografts with use of the biopsy gun is a safe and accurate method of obtaining hepatic tissue from liver transplant recipients for histopathologic analysis.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Biopsy, Needle / adverse effects
  • Biopsy, Needle / instrumentation*
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Female
  • Graft Rejection
  • Humans
  • Liver / diagnostic imaging
  • Liver / pathology*
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography
  • Ultrasonography