Pre-operative radiological and clinical assessment of hepatic tumours--is biopsy necessary?
The pre-operative investigations of 72 consecutive patients who underwent liver resection for hepatic tumours have been reviewed. A combination of clinical, biochemical and radiological findings correctly predicted histology in 93% of cases (the benign or malignant nature in 97%). Biopsy was performed in only 20 patients. Five of the biopsy reports were incorrect (75% accuracy, benign or malignant nature accuracy 90%). Although guided biopsy can be performed during radiological assessment of focal hepatic lesions we argue that it is rarely indicated and can be misleading in patients proceeding to hepatic resection.
Department of Surgery, King's College Hospital, London.
J A
JA
Pain
J
J
Karani
E R
ER
Howard
D001706:Biopsy; D002648:Child; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011859:Radiography