Liver biopsy: experience at Enugu, eastern Nigeria

A retrospective analysis of liver biopsies done at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, between January 1980 to December 1985 was done to determine the indications, level of preparation and investigation of the patients, biopsy techniques and failure rate, complications and histopathological results. The register of all biopsies sent to the Morbid Anatomy Department and the clinical records of the patients were used for the analysis. Of the 154 biopsies done, the Menghini technique was used in 128 cases (83.1%), the rest was by exploratory laparotomy. The commonest indication was unexplained hepatomegaly with or without splenomegaly 46 cases (29.8%). Adult cases accounted for 132 cases (85.7%) with male/female distribution of 3:1. Histologically proven cases of hepatocellular carcinoma accounted for 38 cases (14.2%). Pain requiring analgesics occurred in 8 cases (5.2%). The need for adequate clinical documentation of patients is emphasized.