Effect of operator experience and frequency of procedure performance on complication rate after ultrasound-guided percutaneous liver biopsies.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to assess whether the complication rate after ultrasound-guided percutaneous liver biopsies in children is affected by how frequently the procedure is performed by the operator.

Methods: Medical charts and ultrasound descriptions of 311 ultrasound-guided percutaneous liver biopsy procedures performed by 18 radiologists at a single center from 2000 to 2011 were reviewed. Postbiopsy ultrasound the following day was performed after 97% of the procedures.

Evaluation of risk factors for bleeding after liver biopsy in children.

Objectives: Acetylsalicylic acid is used in liver-transplanted children to prevent thrombosis of the hepatic artery. We evaluated whether acetylsalicylic acid and other risk factors were associated with bleeding after percutaneous liver biopsy.

Methods: Medical charts, laboratory results, imaging studies, and anesthesia charts of 275 ultrasound-guided liver biopsy procedures in 190 children were reviewed.