Liver histopathology in the Yorkshire region: a network model

To investigate the volume and provision of local liver histopathology in the 11 hospitals of the Yorkshire region outside Leeds, as a potential model for a hepatopathology network.

Postal questionnaire to all histopathologists in 11 hospital trusts in Yorkshire.

Liver biopsies represent about 0.5% histopathology requests in Yorkshire, with more medical than tumour biopsies. Pathologists often discuss these biopsies with each other and clinicians; a third had done liver continuing professional development (CPD) in the last 3 years, and 70% would like to do more. Overall, around 5% liver biopsies are reviewed in the hepatology centre, and most responders thought this about right.

For primary reporting of liver biopsies, local pathologists need good communication with the responsible clinician, access to relevant CPD in liver pathology and a biopsy referral pathway for cases which are clinically or pathologically challenging.