Disease Diagnosis
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Hemochromatosis
- Wilson’s disease
- Hepatitis
- Jaundice
- Fatty liver/ NASH
Liver Biopsy Procedure and Steps
Liver biopsy procedure is a surgical process in which a piece of liver tissue is collected from the body to diagnose for damage and diseases. As opposed to the FibroScan ® test, the liver biopsy is performed to analyze the extent of severity of a disease and it is also invasive. A different method is followed for each of the three types of biopsies.
Percutaneous Liver Biopsy Procedure
It is the most common in which a needle is poked through your abdomen into the liver to take a small tissue sample. A small incision is made under the ribs and then the doctor inserts the needle through it.
This is the most common way to do liver biopsy. Other techniques are used in specific circumstances as suggested by your liver dcotor.
Transjugular Liver Biopsy
In this process, the doctor will numb the side of your neck, make an incision and insert a tube into the jugular vein. The tube is inserted further till it reaches the hepatic vein. A contrast dye is injected to take X-ray images. Once the doctor is able to see the hepatic vein, they insert the needle through the vein and take the sample for analysis.
Laproscopic Liver Biopsy
The doctor makes an incision into your abdomen and inserts a camera along with biopsy tools. Based on the camera feed, the doctor uses these tools to collect the biopsy sample.
Preparing for Liver Biopsy
Before undergoing the procedure, you must consult with your doctor about all the ongoing medications to know which ones you have to stop taking. You will also have to take a blood test to determine the blood clotting time. Before starting the liver biopsy test, the doctor will place IV line and administer sedatives if required. You will lie down on your back on table and then the relevant liver biopsy test will begin. After completing the test, you will rest for a few hours depending on the procedure and once the sedatives wear off, someone can drive you home.
Result and Purpose of Liver Biopsy
The results of the test are not available immediately since your sample will be sent to a laboratory for testing. Our doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment with you to analyze your results for diagnosis and recommend the course of treatment. The liver biopsy cost varies depending on technique and the tests required on biopsy.
The purpose of liver biopsy can be any of the following:
- Staging liver diseases
- Diagnosing liver damage which cannot be known through blood tests
- Determining the course of action of treatment
- Find out the effectiveness of a particular disease treatment
- Explain any abnormal liver inflammation
Liver Biopsy Complications and Risks
Although the purpose of liver biopsy is to determine reasons for abnormal liver conditions, it can also create certain complications in rare cases. Internal bleeding is possible and you will definitely experience mild pain for several hours after the procedure.
Another uncommon liver biopsy complication is pneumothorax which happens when the needle accidentally punctures the chest and fills it with air. If you exhibit any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately; these may be signs of post liver biopsy complications:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Blood in stool
- Bloated abdomen
- Dizziness
