Adequacy of percutaneous non-targeted liver biopsy under real-time ultrasound guidance when comparing the Biopince™ and Achieve™ biopsy needle.

Abstract

AIM: The purpose of this study was to compare the adequacy rates of percutaneous liver biopsies, in parenchymal liver disease, using the Biopince™ 16G and Achieve™ 18G biopsy needles in relation to the Royal College of Pathologists guidelines and to assess risk of complications. METHOD: Data for all percutaneous non-targeted 'medical' liver biopsies using the Biopince™ 16G and Achieve™ 18G biopsy needles were collected retrospectively over a 2-year period. Total biopsy core length and number of portal tracts was recorded along with adequacy of biopsy as assessed according to RCPath criteria. RESULTS: In total 194 percutaneous liver biopsies met the inclusion criteria; 53 using the Biopince™ needle and 141 using the Achieve™ needle.The mean total core length was 23mm (SD 4.1) and 20mm (SD 6.8) for the Biopince™ and Achieve™ needles respectively (p=0.0005). The mean number of portal tracts was 11 (SD 4.2) and 7 (SD 3.4) for the Biopince™ and Achieve™ needles respectively (p<0.0001). An adequate biopsy was obtained in 15 (31.3%) and 1 (1.3%) case using the Biopince™ and Achieve™ needles respectively (p<0.001). Compromised biopsies were obtained in 32 (66.7%) and 39 (50.6%) cases using the Biopince™ and Achieve™ needles respectively. Inadequate biopsies were obtained in 1 (2%) and 37 (48.1%) cases using the Biopince™ and Achieve™ needles respectively. CONCLUSION: The Biopince™ 16G needle, when compared with the Achieve™ 18G needle, acquires a significantly greater total core length and number of portal tracts with significantly improved adequacy rates. There were no major complications associated with its use. Advances in knowledge: The Biopince™ 16G needle achieves significantly better specimen adequacy, when compared with the Achieve™ 18G needle and with no added major complications associated with its use.