Tobin M V, Gilmore I T
Gastroenterology Unit, Royal Liverpool Hospital, U.K.
Dig Dis Sci. 1989 Jan;34(1):13-5. doi: 10.1007/BF01536147.
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.
