19 Versus 22-Gauge Fine Needle Biopsy (FNB) Needles for Endoscopic Ultrasound Guided Liver Biopsy (EUS-LB): A Prospective Pilot Study

Detailed Summary

Chronic liver disorders (CLD) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality for individuals in the US. Though serologic analysis will often lead to a conclusive diagnosis, liver biopsy remains an important method for helping to determine the etiology and stage of LD. Percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB), transjugular liver biopsy (TLB) and surgical liver biopsy (SLB) are alternative methods for obtaining hepatic tissue. In recent years endoscopic ultrasound guided-liver biopsy (EUS-LB) has come to the forefront as a safe and effective method for obtaining tissue in CLD. There are several studies of the safety of EUS-LB as well as the adequacy of specimens obtained in this fashion. Most studies involve a 19-gauge needle, therefore in this study the investigators hope to compare the tissue yields of a 22-gauge fine needle biopsy (FNB) needle, in comparison to conventional 19-gauge. The investigators predict that 19 and 22 gauge FNB needle will demonstrate similar diagnostic accuracy, with less visible blood artifact. Similarly the investigators predict the safety to be equal.

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