General Information
A liver biopsy is a procedure used to diagnose abnormal liver conditions. It involves using a special needle to obtain a small piece of tissue from the liver; the tissue sample is then microscopically examined to identify signs of damage or disease. A physician usually decides to do a liver biopsy after test results indicate the liver is not functioning normally. For example, a routine blood test could indicate higher than normal liver enzymes, or a x-ray could reveal a liver that is swollen. Examining the liver tissue itself is the best way to determine the condition of the liver, especially in patients diagnosed with hepatitis C.
Although there are several ways to obtain a tissue sample from the liver, the most common is percutaneously, or "through the skin." A local anesthetic, such as Lidocaine, is injected into the skin on the right side of the chest (this site is directly over the liver). The needle is advanced further with additional injections of the anesthetic, eventually numbing the entire tract that the needle will take into the liver and reducing patient discomfort. Next, a special biopsy needle is inserted into the same area, with the patient holding his or her breath. The needle is inserted quickly into the liver and withdrawn, usually taking only a few seconds. To actually obtain the tissue sample, the physician can either use a syringe to apply suction to the needle, or he can use a needle with a special cutting mechanism that does not require suction. If there is a question regarding the exact position of the liver or a specific area of the liver to be biopsied, an ultrasound examination of the liver may be ordered prior to the biopsy procedure.
Patient discomfort following a liver biopsy can vary, with most experiencing minimal pain at the insertion site. The physician can prescribe some medication to ease these side effects. The most common complication from liver biopsy is bleeding at the site of needle insertion. This occurs in approximately 1% of all patients, but the amount of blood loss is usually insignificant and does not warrant a transfusion. In very rare instances, the bleeding may not stop and would require surgical intervention.
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Digestive Specialists is here to serve you. We offer comprehensive care for all your digestive health needs.
Digestive Specialists is here to serve you. We offer comprehensive care for all your digestive health needs.
