An international multidisciplinary consensus statement on laparoscopic liver biopsy.

Clinical practices for laparoscopic liver biopsy differ between institutions, partly due to the absence of global guidelines. It is known that percutaneous liver biopsy is commonly used, but it may not be suitable for all patients. Some cases involve high risk or anatomical complexity, making alternative methods necessary. Laparoscopic liver biopsy offers a visual approach to tissue sampling, which may improve diagnostic accuracy. However, its use is not yet standardized globally. This lack of consensus can lead to inconsistent outcomes and safety profiles. No prior work had resolved how to standardize the technique across disciplines. That uncertainty drove the need for a multidisciplinary consensus. This gap motivated the development of a unified framework for laparoscopic liver biopsy.

This study aimed to establish international standards for laparoscopic liver biopsy. The goal was to address variability in clinical use and procedural safety. A group of experts from multiple disciplines collaborated to define best practices. They focused on scenarios where laparoscopic biopsy is most appropriate. The study also aimed to clarify how to manage complications and ensure quality control. It sought to support the use of this technique in complex or high-risk cases. The panel aimed to provide guidance for preoperative preparation and surgical steps. This effort aimed to facilitate the safe and effective use of laparoscopic liver biopsy worldwide.

The panel included 45 experts from six continents across multiple disciplines. They used a modified Delphi process to reach agreement on key aspects of laparoscopic liver biopsy. Three rounds of consultation were conducted to refine the consensus. Topics covered clinical use, risk factors, and procedural steps. The process involved iterative discussion and voting to finalize recommendations. Each round aimed to reduce disagreement and align expert opinions. The final statement included guidance on preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care. The method ensured that all relevant clinical considerations were addressed.

The consensus statement outlines clinical scenarios where laparoscopic biopsy is preferred. It identifies high-risk cases that may benefit from this approach. The panel agreed on preoperative preparation steps to minimize complications. They provided detailed guidance on the surgical procedure itself. Postoperative management and discharge criteria were also standardized. The statement includes strategies for managing potential complications. It emphasizes the importance of quality control in tissue sampling. These findings aim to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient safety.

The authors propose that this consensus promotes the safe and standardized use of laparoscopic liver biopsy. They suggest that it supports the management of complex and high-risk cases. The statement may help reduce variability in clinical practice across centers. The authors propose that it facilitates the appropriate implementation of this procedure. They suggest that the guidance improves diagnostic efficiency and procedural quality. The authors propose that it supports multidisciplinary collaboration in liver diagnostics. They suggest that the statement may serve as a reference for future clinical decisions. The authors propose that it enhances the rational clinical application of laparoscopic liver biopsy.