Liver biopsy in Slovakia

INTRODUCTION: Liver biopsy is the most specific diagnostic modality in hepatology, but information about its application in Slovakia is rather obscure. METHODS: The authors performed a correspondence study with the aim to find out how many biopsy examinations has been done in Slovakia in 2001, for which indications, what kind of techniques have been applied and which small or great complications were encountered. RESULTS: It was established that in the year 2001, 400 biopsies for diffuse liver diseases were performed. There were 296 percutaneous biopsies, 82 laparoscopic biopsies and 22 trans-jugular biopsies forming the survey. Acute viral hepatitis was the most frequent indication, whereas non-alcohol steatohepatitis was a rare indication in spite of the high prevalence. The frequency of great complications was 0.00025%. No death associated with this procedure was reported. CONCLUSION: Liver biopsy has been done in Slovakia in indications, ways and with the frequency of complications, which were comparable with data from literature.