title: Plugged liver biopsy in patients with impaired coagulation.
abstract: Histology is of paramount importance in the investigation of hepatic disease but conventional percutaneous liver biopsy is contraindicated when coagulation is significantly impaired. We have used a modified percutaneous approach with plugging of the needle track in 100 patients with vitamin K-resistant prolongation of prothrombin time up to 12 sec above control values or platelet counts as low as 20 X 10(9)/liter. All were successful, and there were no serious complications. The technique is straightforward and is a feasible alternative to the more complex transvenous approach.
authors.affiliation: Gastroenterology Unit, Royal Liverpool Hospital, U.K.
authors.forename: M V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Tobin
authors.forename: I T
authors.initials: IT
authors.lastname: Gilmore
mesh_terms: D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods*; D001778:Blood Coagulation Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology*; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors