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Liver biopsy in the 21st century: where and why?

Adrian Griffiths, Charlie H Viiala and John K Olynyk
Med J Aust 2002; 176 (2): . || doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2002.tb04282.x
Published online: 21 January 2002

Percutaneous liver biopsy, a technique first accredited to Paul Ehrlich over 100 years ago, is still considered an essential component in the management of most liver diseases. However, the revolution in imaging techniques and development of serological investigations means that, at least for certain conditions, biopsy may no longer be necessary.


  • Department of Medicine, University of Western Australia and Department of Gastroenterology, Fremantle Hospital, Fremantle, WA.


Correspondence: jolynyk@cyllene.uwa.edu.au

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