Ambulatory liver biopsy

During 1992-1994 we performed 77 needle liver biopsies on ambulatory patients. 59 patients were observed for 6 hours and then released. 15 who lived more than 40 km away and 3 in whom complications were feared were hospitalized. All were released within 24 hours and there were no complications. We conclude that ambulatory needle biopsy of the liver is safe and cost-effective is selected patients.