TRANSJUGULAR LIVER-BIOPSY - A COMPARISON OF ASPIRATION AND TRUCUT TECHNIQUES

The results of 67 transjugular liver biopsies are described. Two failu res were encountered due to inability to pass the needle into acutely angulated hepatic veins. Thirty-four patients underwent a liver aspira tion biopsy using a Colapinto needle, while the remainder were biopsie d using a trucut needle. The success rate with the Colapinto needle wa s 68% and with the trucut model, 97%. Capsular perforation occurred in three cases, but without significant morbidity or mortality. It is co ncluded that the trucut needle biopsy is more reliable than aspiration biopsy, when the transjugular approach is mandated, in obtaining opti mal liver tissue for histopathological diagnosis.