A complication of needle biopsy of a hepatocellular carcinoma is development of a metastasis along the needle track.
Tumor factors associated with metastases along a needle biopsy track:
(1) large tumor
(2) subcapsular location (little or no normal liver along needle track)
(3) poorly differentiated carcinoma
Procedural factors associated with metastases along a biopsy needle track:
(1) large bore needle
(2) multiple passes
(3) failure to use a covering sheath
The use of radiofrequency pulses can be used to "sterilize" the needle tract.
Other factors:
(1) longer survival post-procedure
(2) failure to resect track during surgery to remove tumor
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Specialty: Hematology Oncology, Surgery, general
ICD-10: ,