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Plugged liver biopsy in patients with impaired coagulation

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Abstract

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 20×109/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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Gastroenterology Unit, Royal Liverpool Hospital, L7 8XP, Liverpool, UK

    Michael V. Tobin MB, MRCP & Ian T. Gilmore MD, FRCP

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  1. Michael V. Tobin MB, MRCP
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  2. Ian T. Gilmore MD, FRCP
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Tobin, M.V., Gilmore, I.T. Plugged liver biopsy in patients with impaired coagulation. Digest Dis Sci 34, 13–15 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01536147

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01536147

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