PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB), and possible complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During a three-year period, TJLB was performed in 21 patients. Through the right internal jugular vein, a 9F sheath was introduced into the right hepatic vein, and using Mansfield forceps, biopsy was then performed. RESULTS: Reasons for TJLB included massive ascites in six patients, coagulopathy in nine, thrombocytopenia in five, and other causes in one. In 20 cases, we obtained liver tissue, and pathologic diagnosis was possible in 17 ; in three cases, the amount of biopsy tissue obtained was insufficient for pathologic diagnosis. In one patient with Budd-Chiari syndrome, we were unable to catheterize the right hepatic vein and failed to obtain liver tissue. Complications occurred in five patients, as follows: hematoma formation at the puncture site in one patient, and pain at the puncture site, lasting 24 hours, in four. CONCLUSION: TJLB may be a safe and useful method in patients in whom percutaneous liver biopsy is contraindicated.