Fast-track, ambulatory ultrasound-guided Tru-Cut liver biopsy is feasible and cost-efficient

INTRODUCTION: Most institutions perform percutaneous liver biopsy with a post-biopsy patient observation period lasting up to eight hours, which is resource-demanding. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of liver biopsy performed in a fast-track set-up with an only one-hour post-biopsy observation time.METHODS: Patients referred to our institution underwent fast-track ultrasound-guided 18-gauge Tru-Cut liver biopsy procedures. Each single biopsy procedure was followed by a post-procedure observational period of one hour and an additional focused assessment with sonography for trauma before patient discharge. All patients underwent a clinical follow-up programme at revisit in order to register any delayed onset of major complications.RESULTS: Out of 200 completed biopsy procedures, two major complications were registered post biopsy and they were treated appropriately. All patients were safely discharged from our institution. No fatality or long-term complications were found during this study.CONCLUSION: The fast-track approach reported herein is a feasible option when adequate patient information is given. Besides the obvious, positive effect on patient logistics and departmental throughput, this approach may also reduce diagnostic work-up time and bring financial benefits. Therefore, we encourage the use of this approach in institutions comparable to our own.FUNDING: not relevant.TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.