Why biopsy liver

If this is the case, arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. Have someone stay with you or check on you during the first night. Many doctors recommend that people spend the first evening within an hour's driving distance of the hospital where the biopsy is done, in case a complication develops. What you can expect during your liver biopsy will depend on the type of procedure you'll undergo.

A percutaneous liver biopsy is the most common type of liver biopsy, but it isn't an option for everyone. Your doctor may recommend a different form of liver biopsy if you:.

A liver biopsy is done at a hospital or outpatient center. You'll likely arrive early in the morning. Percutaneous biopsy. To begin your procedure, your doctor will locate your liver by tapping on your abdomen or using ultrasound images.

In certain situations, ultrasound might be used during the biopsy to guide the needle into your liver. You'll lie on your back and position your right hand above your head on the table. Your doctor will apply a numbing medication to the area where the needle will be inserted.

The doctor then makes a small incision near the bottom of your rib cage on your right side and inserts the biopsy needle. The biopsy itself takes just a few seconds. As the needle passes quickly in and out of your liver, you'll be asked to hold your breath. Transjugular biopsy. You'll lie on your back on an X-ray table.

Your doctor applies a numbing medication to one side of your neck, makes a small incision and inserts a flexible plastic tube into your jugular vein.

Liver Biopsy. Why a liver biopsy is performed. The risks of a liver biopsy. How to prepare for a liver biopsy. How a liver biopsy is performed. After a liver biopsy. Autoimmune Hepatitis. Fetor Hepaticus. Liver Pain. Liver Cancer. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. Medically reviewed by Stacy Sampson, D.

Medically reviewed by Jenneh Rishe, RN. Ascites Causes and Risk Factors. If your blood does not clot fast enough, you may require a different procedure called a transvenous liver biopsy, where the biopsy needle is threaded into the liver using a tiny tube inserted in the jugular vein of the neck. This type of biopsy requires sedation, but patients still go home the same day.

If a tissue sample is required from a particular area or multiple areas in the liver, you may require a procedure called a laparoscopic liver biopsy. For this type of biopsy, a small incision is made in the abdomen to insert an endoscope, which is a lighted, flexible tube, about the thickness of a finger. The biopsy needle is passed through the endoscope to obtain the tissue sample s.

Liver biopsies allow your doctor to:. A liver biopsy is generally very safe. Pain at the site of the biopsy is common and 1 out of 3 patients receive medication for pain in the recovery room. A biopsy may be done if you have: An enlarged liver Yellowing of the skin and eyes jaundice Abnormal lab tests that suggest liver disease A liver biopsy may be used to see if you have a condition such as: Hepatitis.

This is a redness and swelling inflammation of the liver that sometimes causes long-lasting damage. It is caused by viruses, illegal drugs, alcohol, parasites, or other conditions. Alcoholic liver disease. Liver damage caused by alcohol abuse. Liver tumor. An abnormal lump or mass of tissue. Tumors can be noncancerous benign or cancerous malignant. Fatty liver. A buildup of fat in the liver cells.

Metabolic or autoimmune disease. Fibrosis of the liver. The growth of scar tissue due to infection, inflammation, injury, or even healing. Your provider may have other reasons to recommend a liver biopsy.

What are the risks of a liver biopsy? Some possible complications may include: Pain and bruising at the biopsy site Bleeding for a long time from the biopsy site, either inside or outside the body Infection near the biopsy site Accidental injury to another organ If your liver biopsy is done using X-rays, the amount of radiation used is small. In some cases a liver biopsy may not be advised.

This includes cases where you have: A condition that affects the blood's ability to clot A lot of fluid collecting in your belly or abdomen severe ascites An infection of your biliary tract or the part of your belly around your liver You may have other risks that are unique to you. How do I get ready for a liver biopsy? Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you. Ask him or her any questions you have about the procedure. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives permission to do the procedure.

Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything is not clear. Your provider will ask questions about your past health. He or she may give you a physical exam. This is to make sure you are in good health before you have surgery. You may also need blood tests and other diagnostic tests.

Tell your provider if you are sensitive to or allergic to any medicines, latex, tape, and anesthesia medicines local and general. Tell your provider about all the medicines you take. This includes both over-the-counter and prescription medicines. It also includes vitamins, herbs, and other supplements.