Liver biopsy and percutaneous cholangiography using a posterior approach. 500 needle biopsies and 121 cholangiographies.

A technique of posterior percutaneous liver biopsy and cholangiography was used in 500 liver biopsies and 121 cholangiographic examinations of the biliary tract. It provided a successful liver biopsy in 98.6 percent of cases and was associated with a less than 2 percent complication rate. Successful cholangiography was possible in all patients with dilated ducts and in 87 percent of patients with normal undilated ducts. Percutaneous cholangiography was associated with a 5 percent complication rate. The advantages of this technique are that it can be performed by relatively inexperienced physicians with minimal risk of hemo- or choleperitoneum. It has a low failure rate and can be performed in obese patients or patients with coagulation defects. The route of entry eliminates the risk of injury to the gallbladder or colon. Due to the posterior position, this technique can be used in relatively uncooperative patients.