What is the Safe Observation Period for Image-Guided Percutaneous Liver Biopsies?

Abstract

Current observation period post-liver biopsy is typically 4h. This study investigates the safety of reducing the observation period after percutaneous liver biopsy. Patients who underwent percutaneous liver biopsy between 2017 and 2022 in the Radiology Department of a tertiary centre were included in this retrospective, institutional review board-approved study. Patient demographics, procedure details and complication data were collected from the electronic medical records. Complications were graded according to the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) classification. Conditional survival probabilities were calculated for the 4-h observation period. Among 1125 patients, 275 complications were seen; 255 grade 1, 15 grade 2 and five grade 3. Post-procedural pain represented 93% (256) of complications, whereas post-procedural haemorrhage occurred in 17 (6%) patients: 13 were of grade 2 severity requiring prolonged observation, and 4 were of grade 3 severity. Of these grade 3 complications, two required blood transfusion whereas two required embolization. A total of 215 (78%) complications occurred within 1h, 244 (89%) within 2h of observation. 16 (94%) of 17 post-procedural haemorrhages occurred within 2h post-biopsy. If complication-free after 2h, the probability of experiencing a complication within the next 2h was 4%. The majority of complications were identified within 2h of observation. Complications recognised after this period were largely pain-related, with only one grade 3 complication seen (post-procedural haemorrhage).Our findings suggest 2h of post-procedural observation may be safe. Level 2B, Retrospective Cohort Study.