ABSTRACT
The histopathological study is very useful to establish a correct diagnosis in hepatic diseases, nevertheless conventional percutaneous liver biopsy is contraindicated in patients with abnormal coagulation. For this reason, some other alternatives have been looked for. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectivity of gelfoam plugged liver biopsy, like alternative of the conventional biopsy in patients with impaired coagulation. The procedure was done in fourteen patients with prothrombin time longer than twelve seconds over the control and platelet count until 20,000/mm3. Besides that, we used real time ultrasound to guide the biopsy, in order to improve the safety and effectivity of this technique. All were successful, and there were no serious complications. This technique is a good alternative in patients with liver disease and impaired coagulation, in whom the histological diagnosis is essential.
