Liver Biopsy
This document will give you information about a liver biopsy. If
you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant
health professional.
What is a liver biopsy?
A liver biopsy is a procedure to remove a small piece of tissue
from your liver using a needle. The procedure is performed by a
radiologist (doctor who specialises in x-rays and scans).
Are there any alternatives to a liver biopsy?
A blood test or scan may show that you have a problem. However,
a biopsy will help to find out exactly what is causing the problem
and will help your doctor decide the best treatment for you.
What does the procedure involve?
The two commonly-used techniques are ultrasound-guided liver
biopsy and transjugular liver biopsy.
Ultrasound-guided liver biopsy
Your doctor will make a small cut in the skin on your right
side, usually between your lower ribs, and then place the needle
through the cut and into your liver to remove a small piece of
tissue. They will use an ultrasound scan to guide them while they
perform the biopsy.
Transjugular liver biopsy
Your doctor will make a small cut in the skin on the right side
of your neck and then place a catheter into your jugular vein. They
will use the x-ray machine to help them guide the tube through your
veins until it reaches your liver. When the tube reaches your
liver, your doctor will pass a needle down the tube to remove a
small piece of tissue.
What complications can happen?
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Biliary peritonitis
- Making a hole in nearby structures with the needle
- Allergic reaction
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home the same day.
You should be able to go back to work the day after the
procedure unless you are told otherwise but avoid strenuous
exercise for the first 24 hours.
A member of the healthcare team may ask you to come back to the
clinic to discuss with you any treatment or follow-up you need.
Summary
A liver biopsy is usually a safe and effective way of finding
out if you have a problem with your liver.
Acknowledgements
Author: Dr Craig Jobling FRCS (Ed) FRCR, Dr Simon Whitaker MRCP
FRCR and Mrs Samantha Gamble RGN
Illustrations: LifeART image copyright 2007 Lippincott Williams
& Wilkins. All rights reserved.
This document is intended for information purposes only and should
not replace advice that your relevant health professional would
give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
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The information should not replace advice that
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Hospitals offering this treatment