[Hepatic biopsy by posterior extraperitoneal puncture. Statistics of 1000 cases]

The authors report an analysis of 1000 hepatic biopsies performed with an original method with posterior extraperitoneal approach. This method let the biopsy execution also in the patients in which the hepatic biopsy with lateral approach was contraindicated (31%). An adequate sample for histologic examination was obtained in 98,3% of cases. An important element of safe is now considered the ultrasound guide. The incidence of greater complications has been modest (7 arterious-venous fistulas, 1 retroperitoneal hematoma, 1 cardiac arrest by probable vagal inhibitory reflex).