[Ultrasound-assisted percutaneous blind puncture of the liver]

Since 1975 we performed 1221 percutaneous liver biopsies in outpatients. From 1978 onwards an upper abdominal ultrasound examination has been carried out in 731 patients before performing the puncture. In 203 consecutive punctures in the years 1981/82 another ultrasound examination two hours after the biopsy was performed. No complications have been observed. Hence, we recommend ultrasound examination in outpatients before biopsy for diagnostic and topographic reasons, but not afterwards, as the procedure seems reasonably safe.