Nasir Khokhar, Habib Ahmad Jadoon.
Percutaneous Liver Biopsy using Spinal Needle.
Pak J Gastroenterol Jan ;16(1):9-11.

Chronic liver disease has become a very common problem worldwide and liver biopsy is frequently performed. 400 patients with chronic liver disease underwent percutaneous liver biopsy using 18 gauge spinal needle. Adequacy of sample and post-procedure complications were noted. Of four hundred patients, (65%) procedures were performed as outpatients and 35% as inpatients. Adequate samples were obtained in 96% patients. No significant complications were noted. It is concluded that liver biopsy using 18 gauge spinal needle yielded adequate tissue sample and it was inexpensive and safe both in outpatient as well as inpatient setting.

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