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Dobberstein et al: Comparison of the diagnostic yield of 3 and 5 mm laparoscopic liver biopsy forceps in cats
Veterinary Surgery 2, 2024

🔍 Key Findings Summary

  • Subjects: 12 healthy colony cats, 68 total liver samples collected via laparoscopy
  • Biopsy instruments: 3 mm vs 5 mm Storz Blakesley cup forceps
  • Techniques: Twist (T), Pull (P), Twist + Pull (TP)
  • Results:
    • 5 mm forceps yielded significantly more hepatic lobules (mean 12.4 vs 4.9), portal triads (29.6 vs 19.0), weight, and histologic area (p < .01)
    • T and P techniques yielded more portal triads and lobules than TP (p = .003 and p = .015)
    • TP technique resulted in greater tissue crush vs T (p = .01)
    • Good diagnostic agreement between 3 mm and 5 mm samples only with TP (κ = 0.75)
    • All samples were of sufficient diagnostic quality, despite size or technique
  • Clinical implication: Both 3 mm and 5 mm forceps are viable; further studies are needed to confirm diagnostic accuracy of 3 mm samples

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← Articles

Dobberstein et al: Comparison of the diagnostic yield of 3 and 5 mm laparoscopic liver biopsy forceps in cats
Veterinary Surgery 2, 2024

🔍 Key Findings Summary

  • Subjects: 12 healthy colony cats, 68 total liver samples collected via laparoscopy
  • Biopsy instruments: 3 mm vs 5 mm Storz Blakesley cup forceps
  • Techniques: Twist (T), Pull (P), Twist + Pull (TP)
  • Results:
    • 5 mm forceps yielded significantly more hepatic lobules (mean 12.4 vs 4.9), portal triads (29.6 vs 19.0), weight, and histologic area (p < .01)
    • T and P techniques yielded more portal triads and lobules than TP (p = .003 and p = .015)
    • TP technique resulted in greater tissue crush vs T (p = .01)
    • Good diagnostic agreement between 3 mm and 5 mm samples only with TP (κ = 0.75)
    • All samples were of sufficient diagnostic quality, despite size or technique
  • Clinical implication: Both 3 mm and 5 mm forceps are viable; further studies are needed to confirm diagnostic accuracy of 3 mm samples

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Dobberstein 2024 et al., on liver biopsy forceps, which biopsy technique showed good diagnostic agreement between 3 mm and 5 mm samples?

A. Twist
B. Pull
C. Twist + Pull
D. All techniques
E. None

Answer: Twist + Pull

Explanation: Only the TP technique showed good agreement in histopathologic diagnosis between forceps sizes (κ = 0.75).
In Dobberstein 2024 et al., on liver biopsy forceps, how did the number of portal triads compare between forceps sizes?

A. 3 mm yielded more
B. 5 mm yielded more
C. Both equal
D. 3 mm had twice as many
E. No triads observed

Answer: 5 mm yielded more

Explanation: The 5 mm forceps samples had significantly more portal triads than the 3 mm (29.6 vs 19.0, p < .0001).
In Dobberstein 2024 et al., on liver biopsy forceps, which biopsy technique caused the most tissue crush artifact?

A. Twist
B. Pull
C. Twist + Pull
D. Guillotine
E. None of the above

Answer: Twist + Pull

Explanation: The TP technique caused significantly greater tissue crush than twist alone (p = .01).
In Dobberstein 2024 et al., on liver biopsy forceps, what was the mean number of hepatic lobules retrieved with 5 mm forceps?

A. 4.9
B. 6.6
C. 8.0
D. 9.0
E. 12.4

Answer: 12.4

Explanation: The mean number of lobules with 5 mm forceps was 12.4, significantly higher than 4.9 from 3 mm forceps.
In Dobberstein 2024 et al., on liver biopsy forceps, what was concluded about diagnostic suitability of 3 mm samples?

A. Not suitable for any use
B. Adequate but lower diagnostic accuracy
C. Better than 5 mm
D. Caused significant artifacts
E. No conclusions possible

Answer: Adequate but lower diagnostic accuracy

Explanation: The 3 mm samples were sufficient for histopathology, but diagnostic accuracy remains unknown.

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