AN AUDIT OF ULTRASOUND-GUIDED LIVER BIOPSIES - A NEED FOR EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE

Background/Aims: This report examines complication. rates associated w ith liver biopsies performed under ultrasound guidance. Material and M ethods: Following the introduction of a policy of performing all liver biopsies under ultrasound guidance in the radiology department, 168 s uch procedures were reviewed. Results: The post biopsy bleeding rate o f 4.2% was high compared to published national figures, which varied w idely. Conclusion: Our audit did not necessarily support the argument that ultrasound guidance leads to safer Liver biopsy, but did support the need for randomized controlled trials of blind and guided liver bi opsy to compare safety. The clinical impression gained from the audit was that the change in policy has reduced mortality associated with Li ver biopsy at this hospital and in the absence of further evidence, th e present policy will continue. A further issue raised by the audit wa s the appropriateness of liver biopsy in terminally ill patients.