Which liver biopsy needle delivers the best tissue? a Head-to-Head comparison

NCT ID NCT07701031

First seen Jul 14, 2026 · Last updated Jul 16, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study compares different ways to take a liver biopsy in adults with chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, or who have had a liver transplant. The goal is to see which method—traditional percutaneous (through the belly) or endoscopic ultrasound-guided (through the stomach)—provides the best tissue sample for diagnosis and causes the least pain. Patients are assigned to one of five needle types in sequence, and researchers measure the length and quality of the tissue obtained, as well as any discomfort.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
liver biopsy performed with different needle types (EUS 19G FNA, 19G FNB, 22G FNA, 22G FNB, and percutaneous 18G Trucut)
What this could lead to
If one method proves superior, it could become the preferred technique for obtaining high-quality liver tissue samples with less pain.
What could go wrong
This is a single-center study with a small sample size, so results may not apply to all hospitals. The sequential design may introduce bias, and the optimal needle may still depend on patient factors.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University Hospital Muenster

    Münster, 48149, Germany

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