Liver Biopsy in Children

Liver biopsy is the cornerstone of medical decision-making for a wide range of hepatic diseases in children. The indications for liver biopsy vary greatly depending on the ease of diagnosis with non-invasive tests, the need to stage of disease, and the role of histological evaluation in management of liver disease. Multiple methods of liver biopsy are available to the clinician and are utilized based on clinical circumstances, cost, and consideration of contraindications. Collaboration between the clinician and pathologist is important in order to handle the tissue sample appropriately and interpret the histology. The purpose of this paper is to provide a broad overview of liver biopsy indications, techniques, pre- and post-biopsy care and complications, interpretations, contraindications, recent advancements, and pitfalls that occur with liver biopsies.