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Complications

Haemorrhage

An inadvertent puncture of an intrahepatic or extrahepatic blood vessel can lead to haemorrhage manifesting within 4 hours. However, it is normal to lose approximately 5–10 mL of blood from the surface of the liver after the biopsy. Conservative management with blood products may be appropriate but surgical intervention may also be required to treat haemorrhage (Chernecky and Berger [32], Karamshi [112]).

Peritonitis

An inadvertent puncture of the bile duct that consequently results in bile leaking into the peritoneal cavity can lead to peritonitis. Treatment may range from antimicrobial therapy to surgical and/or critical care intervention depending on the severity (Chernecky and Berger [32], Karamshi [112], Pagana and Pagana [177]).

Pneumothorax

An inadvertent puncture of the pleura can lead to a pneumothorax. If this occurs, urgent medical intervention is required. A formal chest drain may be necessary to relieve the pneumothorax (Chernecky and Berger [32], Denzer et al. [43], Pagana and Pagana [177]).
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