LIVER BIOPSY

Biopsy and histological examination of liver tissue is of value in the differential diagnosis of diffuse or localized parenchymal diseases (e.g., cirrhosis, hepatitis, hemochromatosis) or hepatomegaly. Liver biopsy is safe (serious complications <0.5 per cent); however, it is contrain-dicated in uncooperative patients and those with coagulation abnormalities or thrombocytopenia.