A Modified Menghini Technique for Percutaneous Liver Biopsy in a Resource Constrained Setting

Abstract

Liver biopsy (LB) is a very commonly performed procedure in the management of liver diseases. It provides specimen for diagnosis, classification and staging of liver diseases. In areas of high Hepatitis B virus (HBV) endemicity, liver diseases are prevalent making liver biopsy an important tool in their management. Unfortunately, the required resources are not always available in resource constrained settings. I have described a modification of the Menghini needle that is low coat, easily available and reasonably safe that will hopefully increase liver biopsy rates to improve patient management and outcome. This technique was used to biopsy 27 adults aged 20 -70 years; consisting of 19 males and 8 females in the evaluation of liver disease. The specimens were reported as adequate in all 27 samples of which 67% consisted of the complex of hepatitis, cirrhosis/primary liver cell cancer (PLCC).