[Percutaneous hepatic puncture biopsy in ambulatory care. 231 patients].

Objectives: The aim of this study was to verify that percutaneous liver biopsy does not require prolonged hospitalization over 24 hours and can be performed in a day care clinic without increased morbidity.

Patients And Methods: Two hundred thirty-one outpatients underwent percutaneous liver biopsies in a day care clinic from November 1, 1994 to June 30, 1996. There were 136 men and 95 women, mean age 39.5 years, age range 16-72 years. Liver biopsy was performed as part of the work-up for hepatitis C in 183 patients. The biopsy was a repeat procedure in 43 patients.

Results: The procedure was uneventful in 230 patients. Hospitalization for 24 hours was required in one patient with a biliodigestive anastomosis who developed chills and fever due to Eschericia coli bacteremia. Two procedures were unsuccessful.

Conclusion: This series confirms that when performed in compliance with standard rules for strictly controlled indications, morbidity after percutaneous liver biopsy is not greater in an outpatient than a classical inpatient setting.