Endoscopic ultrasound–guided liver biopsy: needle types and suction methods

摘要

Endoscopic ultrasound?guided liver biopsy (EUS-LB) is gaining traction among hepatologists and endosonogra- phers. It is safe and effective at delivering excellent liver bi- opsy cores and can be time saving if another endoscopic procedure is required at the same time. 1 Although the first EUS-guided biopsy of a liver lesion was described in 1997, EUS-LB for routine assessment of elevated liver bio- chemistries or evidence of cirrhosis was later reported in 2008. 2,3 There is no clear consensus on the optimal tools and techniques used in EUS-LB. Herein, we describe the various types of needles used in this procedure and suction techniques available.