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Utilization rates, complications and costs of percutaneous liver biopsy: a population-based study including 4275 biopsies.
- Source :
-
Liver International . Jun2008, Vol. 28 Issue 5, p705-712. 8p. 2 Charts, 4 Graphs. - Publication Year :
- 2008
-
Abstract
- Background: Liver biopsy is an important tool in the management of patients with liver disease. Because biopsy practices may be changing, we studied patterns of use in a large Canadian Health Region. We aimed to describe trends in biopsy utilization and the incidence and costs of complications from a population-based perspective. Methods: Administrative databases were used to identify percutaneous liver biopsies performed between 1994 and 2002. Significant complications were identified by reviewing medical records of patients hospitalized within 7 days of a biopsy and those with a diagnostic code indicative of a procedural complication. Analyses of biopsy rates employed Poisson regression. Results: Between 1994 and 2002, 3627 patients had 4275 liver biopsies (median 1 per patient; range 1–12). Radiologists performed the majority (90%), particularly during the latter years (1994 vs. 2002: 73 vs. 98%; P<0.0001). The overall annual biopsy rate was 54.8 per 100 000 population with a 41% (95% CI 23–61%) increase between 1994 and 2002. Annual increases were greatest in males and patients 30–59 years. Thirty-two patients (0.75%) had significant biopsy-related complications (1994–1997 vs. 1998–2002: 1.28 vs. 0.44%; P=0.003). Pain requiring admission (0.51%) and bleeding (0.35%) were most common. Six patients (0.14%) died; all had malignancies. The median direct cost of a hospitalization for complications was $4579 (range $1164–29 641). Conclusions: Liver biopsy rates are increasing likely owing to the changing epidemiology and management of common liver diseases. The similarity of the complication rate in our population-based study with estimates from specialized centres supports the safety of this important procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 14783223
- Volume :
- 28
- Issue :
- 5
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Liver International
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 31591948
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1478-3231.2008.01691.x