[Percutaneous hepatic puncture biopsy in ambulatory care. 231 patients].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to verify that percutaneous liver biopsy does not require prolonged hospitalization over 24 hours and can be performed in a day care clinic without increased morbidity.


METHODS
Two hundred thirty-one outpatients underwent percutaneous liver biopsies in a day care clinic from November 1, 1994 to June 30, 1996. There were 136 men and 95 women, mean age 39.5 years, age range 16-72 years. Liver biopsy was performed as part of the work-up for hepatitis C in 183 patients. The biopsy was a repeat procedure in 43 patients.


RESULTS
The procedure was uneventful in 230 patients. Hospitalization for 24 hours was required in one patient with a biliodigestive anastomosis who developed chills and fever due to Eschericia coli bacteremia. Two procedures were unsuccessful.


CONCLUSIONS
This series confirms that when performed in compliance with standard rules for strictly controlled indications, morbidity after percutaneous liver biopsy is not greater in an outpatient than a classical inpatient setting.
Bourgaux
J F
JF
Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Hôpital Caremeau, Nimes.
al Chaar
K
K
Barki
J
J
Ribard
D
D
Raffanel
C
C
Balmes
J L
JL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology*; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires