Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026
13:57
Laparoscopic Anatomical Liver Segment VII Resection with Liver Parenchymal Transection Following a Priority Approach
Published on: May 23, 2025
Biopsy of solid liver tumors: adverse consequences.
Dhya Al-Leswas1, Derek A O'Reilly, Graeme J Poston
1Department of Surgery, University Hospital Aintree, Lower Lane, Liverpool, L9 7AL, UK.
Summary
Preoperative liver biopsy for suspected malignant liver tumors may lead to dangerous tumor seeding. Avoid this biopsy in non-specialist centers for patients considered for liver surgery.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Surgical Oncology
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Percutaneous radiologically-guided liver biopsy is a standard procedure for liver condition management.
- Its utility in hepatic oncology is questionable and potentially hazardous.
Observation:
- Two patients with potentially resectable liver tumors underwent preoperative biopsy.
- Both patients exhibited tumor seeding at the biopsy site during subsequent surgery.
Findings:
- In one case, tumor seeding rendered a potentially curative liver resection impossible due to peritoneal carcinomatosis.
- In the second case, despite curative resection, histopathological examination revealed peritoneal disease along the falciform ligament at the biopsy site.
Implications:
- Preoperative diagnostic biopsy for suspicious malignant liver tumors is contraindicated in non-specialist centers.
- This practice poses a risk of tumor seeding, potentially compromising surgical outcomes and patient prognosis.
