[Ultrasound-guided biopsy in focal lesions of the liver. Report on an automated biopsy system].
Two techniques for focal liver lesion biopsy were retrospectively evaluated to compare relative safety and efficacy. After sonographic localization of the focal liver lesion and biopsy with a hand-held 18-gauge cutting needle, a pathologically adequate specimen was obtained in 49 of 55 cases (89%) requiring 1 to 4 passes (mean, 2.1 per patient). A major complication occurred in one case and minor complication were noted in three cases. Forty one biopsies were performed by using a single use automatic core biopsy system with a 18-gauge cutting needle and real time sonographic guidance. With this automatized technique, specimens adequate for diagnosis were obtained in 40 of 41 cases (97.5%), requiring only 1 pass in all cases. Neither major nor minor complication was noted with this technique. We conclude that using sonographic guidance, the automatic core biopsy system with a 18-gauge cutting needle yields a slightly better rate of adequate specimens with a lower frequency of complications.