Bx of spleen

 Q: Biopsy of spleen can be safely performed at the bedside due to its easy access from Left Upper Quadrant (LUQ)  of abdomen?

A) True

B) False

Answer: B

The biopsy of spleen should be avoided as far as possible due to its high vascularity. If needed it should be done via endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guided fine needle aspiration or CT guidance and with an experienced hand. It is recommended to observe the patient for a few hours even if the biopsy appears to be uneventful at the given moment. 

#surgical-critical-care

References:   

1. Mosquera-Klinger G, de la Serna Higuera C, Bazaga S, García-Alonso FJ, Sánchez Ocaña R, Antolín Melero B, et al. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration for splenomegaly and focal splenic lesion: is it safe, effective and necessary?. Rev Esp Enferm Dig. 2020 May. 112 (5):355-359 

2. Katharine Hanlon, Matthew R. Wilson, David Kay, Bob Jackson, Mike Leach - Safety and diagnostic yield of splenic core biopsy; a methodical approach using combined Haematology/Radiology assessment in a tertiary referral centre. BJ Haem. Volume186, Issue2, July 2019, Pages 371-373, First published: 14 March 2019 https://doi.org/10.1111/bjh.15867