Transjugular liver biopsy in 52 patients with an automated Trucut-type needle

A three-year prospective study was conducted to assess the efficacy and saf ety of transjugular liver biopsy with a Trucut-type needle employing an aut omated device. Fifty-two consecutive patients (39 women and 13 men), ages 4 6.3 +/- 14.6 years, in whom percutaneous liver biopsy was contraindicated w ere included in the study. An 18-gauge transjugular hepatic needle with a 2 0-mm throw length, a cutting cannula at the distal end, and an automated tr igger device on the proximal end was used. All procedures were performed un der fluoroscopic control, and the following variables were assessed: (1) nu mber of passes, (2) size and average number of the obtained fragments, (3) number of portal triads, and (4) adequacy of the specimen for histologic di agnosis. The procedure was successful in 49/52 patients, and all samples ob tained were satisfactory for histologic analysis even when cirrhosis or bri dging fibrosis were present. Mean biopsy specimen length was 1.7 +/- 0.88 c m; mean number of passes was 2.42 +/- 1.01, the mean number of biopsy fragm ents and portal triads per attempt were 2.5 +/- 1.01 and 6.24 +/- 3.18, res pectively. No major complications were observed. Transjugular hepatic biops y with this new cutting system is an effective and safe procedure in patien ts with contraindication for percutaneous liver biopsy.