Why is this procedure done?
The liver is a vital organ of your body. This organ: ‚
- Helps digest food
- Removes harmful substances from the blood
- Fights infection
- Stores nutrients, vitamins, and energy
A liver biopsy is the removal of a small tissue sample from the liver for testing. This is done to check how much disease you may have in your liver. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If your procedure will be done through the skin or through a vein.
- When you need to stop eating and drinking before your procedure.
Your doctor will do an exam and may order: ‚
You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home. ‚
You will likely have your blood tested within a few days of your biopsy to check your blood clotting time. ‚
For infants and children, some other tests may be done based on their ages before the procedure. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will help you relax. You will be awake for the procedure.
- You will be asked to lie on your back with your right hand under your head.
- Your biopsy may be done in one of a few ways.
- Percutaneous or through the skin
- The doctor will clean and numb the area of the upper right side of your belly below the ribs.
- The doctor may use an ultrasound to guide the needles after making a small cut to place the needle.
- The needle is removed and pressure is applied to stop the bleeding.
- Transvenous or through a vein
- Your doctor may use a tiny catheter through a vein in your neck or groin if you are at a higher risk for bleeding.
- The doctor may use x-rays to guide the tube into your liver.
- A special needle is passed through the tube to get the biopsy.
- Open surgery
- This is used if your doctor needs to get a sample from an exact part of your liver.
- The doctor may make a cut on your belly to be able to see your liver.
- You may be asked to hold your breath for about 10 seconds. This will be just while the biopsy needle removes the small piece of liver tissue.
- It is important to lie very still as you hold your breath.
- You may feel pressure during the procedure, but not pain.
- A clean, dry bandage is placed over the cut area after the bleeding stops. This will protect it from germs.
What happens after the procedure?
- When the numbing drug wears off, you may feel pain in the area where the cut is. Your doctor will tell you what drugs are safe to take for the pain if needed.
- You will be asked to lie on your right side for 2 to 4 hours. The staff will watch you closely for a few hours before you are ready to go home.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
If sedation drugs were given for the procedure, you cannot drive for 12 hours. You can return to normal light activities like showering and light lifting in a few days. Talk to your doctor about when you may return to sports. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
Make sure to take all the drugs ordered by the doctor. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Collapsed lung
Where can I learn more?
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/liverbiopsy/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚