IS DAY-CASE LIVER-BIOPSY UNDERUTILIZED

Day case liver biopsies are rarely performed nationally but have been routine practice in selected patients in our hospital since 1989. We h ave audited our experience of this procedure to compare its safety, an d efficacy with inpatient biopsy and assess patient acceptability. Aud it data were collected retrospectively on liver biopsies performed at a teaching hospital over 42 months. Acceptability of day case biopsy w as assessed by a questionnaire. A total of 182 of 546 biopsies were da y cases (33%). The specimen quality was similar in both groups. The ov erall complication rate did not significantly differ between the two g roups (2.7% day case v 3.3% inpatients). There were no deaths or episo des of haemorrhage in the day cases but one patient developed a pneumo thorax. Some 91% of those who had a day case biopsy were satisfied wit h the procedure. Day case liver biopsy is safe, effective, and accepta ble in selected patients.