CT-guided liver biopsies: eight years' experience. Work in progress.

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Abstract
In the past 8 yr 180 patients with liver abnormalities demonstrated on computed tomography (CT) underwent CT-guided biopsies with 22-gauge Madayag, 14-gauge Travenol or 18-gauge Menghini needles used singly or in combination. Cytologic and pathologic results were tabulated and correlated with the subsequent surgical or autopsy findings and with clinical follow-up ranging from 3 mo.-3 yr. Complications of the procedures were also recorded. Cutting needle biopsies apparently provide a higher yield of diagnostic tissue compared with aspiration biopsies (89.9% vs. 65%) without a significant increase in complications (1.44% vs. 0.83%). The techniques utilized, risk of complications and the indications for biopsy are discussed.