Surecut 0.6 mm liver biopsy in the diagnosis of cirrhosis

Liver biopsy with the 0.6 mm (23 gauge) Surecut needle was compared to conventional Menghini biopsy in the diagnosis of cirrhosis. Seventy-seven consecutive patients (mainly alcoholics) with a clinical indication for liver biopsy had both biopsies performed simultaneously. In 71 patients sufficient material for a morphological diagnosis concerning liver architecture was obtained with both biopsy techniques (Surecut insufficient in 5 cases and Menghini insufficient in 2 cases). The biopsies were classified as cirrhosis or non-cirrhosis. There was agreement in 69 cases (97%, confidence limits 90-100%). Using the result of the Menghini biopsy as the final diagnosis, the predictive values for a positive and negative diagnosis for the Surecut needle were 96% and 98%, respectively. There were no complications to either of the biopsies. It is suggested that the 0.6 mm Surecut biopsy may be used in the diagnosis of cirrhosis in cases where conventional Menghini needle biopsy is contraindicated.