Evaluation of hemorrhage, sample size, and collateral damage for five hepatic biopsy methods in dogs

To compare the volume of hemorrhage, number of lobules, and portal triads available for histologic evaluation, and resultant collateral damage between 5 hepatic biopsy methods: biopsy punch, biopsy needle, ligature method, laparoscopic biopsy forceps, and ultrasonically activated scalpel (UAS).

Experimental, repeated measures, block.

Twelve adult dogs.

Biopsies were obtained from the periphery and center of the left lateral liver lobe of each dog using each of 5 biopsy techniques. Hemorrhage was quantified and compared between methods and sites. Biopsy samples were evaluated histologically to characterize collateral damage and determine the number of lobules and portal triads sampled.

Regardless of technique, liver biopsy resulted in minimal hemorrhage (<2 mL). For peripheral biopsies, UAS was comparable with the ligature method, but caused significantly less hemorrhage than all other methods, whereas for central biopsies, UAS caused significantly less hemorrhage than other methods. Except for the laparoscopic biopsy forceps, UAS caused significantly more collateral damage than other methods. UAS and ligature biopsy methods yielded specimens that had more portal triads per sample than other methods. Eight of 48 biopsy needle samples were inadequate for histologic evaluation, whereas other methods yielded adequate specimens.

All biopsy methods produced minimal hemorrhage and except for needle biopsy yielded adequate tissue samples for histologic evaluation.

Use of UAS is a reliable, safe alternative technique for liver biopsy and can be used laparoscopically to obtain large tissue samples.