Complications of percutaneous liver biopsy

Complications that arose after 861 percutaneous liver biopsies performed from 1997 to 2001 were reviewed. They were analysed in relation to the underlying liver disease. Minor complications as the severe pain requiring intravenous analgetics administration occurred in 60 cases (6.9%) within two hours after the biopsy. Twelve cases (1.4%) of major complications as haemoperitoneum, haemo- or pneumothorax, severe hypotension due to vaso-vagal reaction, septic shock and puncture of another viscera were noted within 12 hours after procedures. Half of those complications and the most serious ones as haemoperitoneum occurred in cirrhotic patients and were connected with more than one needle pass. No biopsy-related deaths were observed.