Radiology day case ultrasound-guided liver biopsy unit - an initial experience (vol 73, Suppl, pg 22, 2000)

PURPOSE: A prospective study to determine the clinical utility, safety and feasibility of a radiology day case unit (RDCU) for ultrasound (US)-guided liver biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients assessed by the Liver Unit, a s suitable for day case biopsy, were seen by a radiology specialist nurse ( RSN). The RSNs were responsible for patient care during and after the proce dure and for followup at 24 h. All biopsies were performed by a radiologist , using a 16G needle, following site selection under US guidance. The incid ence of complications and US findings at 5-7 h after the biopsy were record ed. Patient acceptability of the RDCU was assessed by a random survey using a questionnaire of patient satisfaction at the time of discharge. RESULTS: 125 patients underwent US-guided liver biopsies over a 7 month period. All specimens obtained were satisfactory for histological analyses. 30 patient s complained of local pain/soreness controlled by oral analgesia and 2 requ ired parenteral analgesia. 124 patients remained stable and were discharged at 6-7 h post-procedure. 1 patient had a vaso-vagal episode and a subcapsu lar haematoma on US, and needed overnight admission. Follow-up US in 117 pa tients demonstrated no procedure-related complications. Of the 50 patients surveyed at discharge, 45 were satisfied with the day care concept, 5 expre ssed a preference for an inpatient procedure. CONCLUSION: The performance o f day case liver biopsies translates into substantial cost savings and redu ction of waiting lists. Our experience demonstrates that the RDCU achieves a level of safety comparable to inpatient care, with a high level of patien t satisfaction. We believe that imaging guidance is contributory in obtaini ng an adequate core using a single pass in the majority of patients.