[Percutaneous liver biopsy: comparative study on the efficacy of and tolerance to the automatic tru-cut technique]

Percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB) is an useful tool in accurately diagnosing difuse hepatopathy and systemic procedures like fever of unknown origin (FUO) and human immunodeficiency virus infection. Present job compares two different PLB procedures, automatic tru-cut needle versus Menghini needle. We have achieved 143 PLBs,74 of them through Menghini needle and 69 with automatic tru-cut technique. No differences were observed about diagnostic efficiency and secondary complications but we have noted a significant presence of pain reactions when Menghini needle is used. So we conclude that tru-cut technique is as safe as Menghini needle with the same diagnostic efficiency and better tolerance.