What is a Liver Biopsy?

A liver biopsy is a medical procedure where a small needle is delicately inserted into the liver to extract a tissue sample. This typically takes place either in a medical office, an outpatient setting or during surgical procedures. The gathered tissue sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis, helping doctors diagnose a range of liver disorders and diseases. Liver biopsies are commonly utilized to identify the causes of:

1. Persistent Abnormal Liver Blood Tests: These include irregular liver enzymes.
2. Unexplained Yellowing of the Skin: Known as Jaundice
3. Liver Abnormalities: If there’s a liver irregularity detected through ultrasound, CT scan, or nuclear scan.
4. Liver Enlargement: Investigating unexplained liver enlargement.

Is Liver Biopsy Safe?

In most cases, liver biopsies are conducted without complications. However, in rare instances, there can be internal bleeding or bile leakage from the liver or gallbladder.

Preparing for a Liver Biopsy

Prior to a liver biopsy, certain steps should be followed:

1. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, have heart or lung conditions, allergies to medications, or any bleeding disorders.
2. If you are taking blood-thinning medications like Coumadin, Plavix, or Persantine, your doctor may recommend an alternative method for thinning your blood before the procedure.
3. In the week leading up to the biopsy, avoid aspirin, aspirin-containing products, and anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Naprosyn, Indocin) unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
4. Never discontinue any medication without consulting your primary or referring doctor.

On the Day of a Liver Biopsy

On the day of your liver biopsy, certain laboratory tests will be performed, either on that day or 2-3 days before the procedure, as instructed by your doctor. These tests typically include blood counts, a platelet count, and assessment of your blood’s clotting abilities.

During the Procedure:

• You’ll wear a hospital gown.
• You’ll lie on your back with your right elbow extended outward and your right hand placed under your head, being as still as possible.
• An ultrasound may be used to pinpoint your liver’s location.
• You might receive a small sedative dose just before the procedure.
• The doctor cleans and numbs the upper abdomen area with a local anesthetic.
• A small incision is made on your upper abdomen, and a needle is inserted to extract a small liver tissue sample for analysis.
• The entire procedure takes approximately 5 minutes.

After the Procedure:

• You’ll remain in a recovery room for up to 4 hours for observation.
• You may experience minor discomfort or dull pain in your shoulders or back, for which pain medication can be prescribed.
• Avoid driving or operating machinery for at least eight hours following the procedure.
• Refrain from taking aspirin, aspirin-containing products, or anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen, Advil, Naprosyn, Indocin, Motrin) for a week post-biopsy; you may use acetaminophen (Tylenol) if needed.
• Do not engage in strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours following the biopsy.
• Your doctor will discuss the biopsy results with you several days after the procedure.

Alternative Liver Biopsy Methods

Apart from the standard liver biopsy, two other methods may be considered: laparoscopic and transvenous biopsies.

• Laparoscopic Biopsy: This involves the use of a laparoscope, a thin, illuminated tube with a camera, inserted through an abdominal incision. It allows the physician to view the liver and extract tissue samples from specific areas if needed.
• Transvenous Biopsy: When patients have blood clotting issues or abdominal fluid accumulation, a catheter is inserted into a neck vein and guided to the liver. A biopsy needle is then introduced through the catheter to obtain a sample.

Warning About Liver Biopsies

If you experience fever, breathing difficulties, chills, dizziness, tenderness, or severe pain at the biopsy site or in the chest, shoulder, or abdomen within 72 hours following the procedure, it is crucial to contact your doctor or seek immediate attention at the nearest emergency room.