[Liver biopsy. Case series in a department of general medicine]

The importance of liver biopsy in the study of liver pathology is emphasised. A series of 63 liver biopsies performed over a three year period is presented and related to liver function and the histological picture. Particular emphasis is placed on the importance of histological studies in cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis. This examination is fundamental for diagnosis, choice of treatment and control of these pathologies. Liver biopsy is easily performed with a low incidence of side effects.