Identifying a Research-Based Post-Procedure Observation Period for Outpatients Undergoing Percutaneous Liver Biopsy

The length of time that ultrasound-guided liver biopsies are kept for post-procedure observation varies widely among facilities, departments, and practices. This paper reviews and analyzes the current and relevant research on complications from liver, other solid organ biopsies and standards of care for post-procedure monitoring of these patients to determine a safe and reasonable observation period. This paper also suggests reasonable and appropriate evidence-based outcome measures and methods of evaluating those measures.