title: An audit of ultrasound guided liver biopsies: a need for evidence-based practice.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This report examines complication rates associated with liver biopsies performed under ultrasound guidance.
  
  
  METHODS
  Following the introduction of a policy of performing all liver biopsies under ultrasound guidance in the radiology department, 168 such procedures were reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The post biopsy bleeding rate 4.2% was high compared to published national figures, which varied widely.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our audit did not necessarily support the argument that ultrasound guidance leads to safer liver biopsy, but did support the need for randomized controlled trials of blind and guided liver biopsy to compare safety. The clinical impression gained from the audit was that the change in policy has reduced mortality associated with liver biopsy at this hospital and in the absence of further evidence, the present policy will continue. A further issue raised by the audit was the appropriateness of liver biopsy in terminally ill patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Leicester General Hospital.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Stone
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Mayberry
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology*; D008485:Medical Audit; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography