General Information
Liver Biopsy is performed to evaluate liver problems such as Hepatitis C. Liver Biopsy is usually done in the hospital. The actual procedure requires approximately 30 minutes to perform. The actual time that a needle is within the liver is only seconds. Usually the biopsy is performed between the ribs on the right side. Sometimes the biopsy is done with the guidance of an ultrasound machine or a CT scanner.
Alternative Evaluations
In many cases, the liver biopsy is required for examination of the tissue. There are indirect tests that can provide information to the physician. However, none of these will substitute for actual liver tissue. The alternative evaluations include a liver spleen scan, ultrasound, CT scan and MRI of the liver.
Before the Procedure (Preparation)
You should discuss your medication with your physician prior to the procedure. Usually, medications are not taken the morning of the procedure. However, some medications should be taken if the procedure is to be done later in the afternoon. Adjustments in your insulin dose should also be discussed with the physician.
You should not eat or drink any food or liquids, unless approved by your physician, for approximately 12 hours before the procedure. No other special preparations are required. Depending upon your individual medical problems, you may require antibiotics before the procedure. If you have a history heart problems involving the valves of the heart or have had antibiotics before dental work, please inform your physician well in advance. This will allow the hospital staff time to prepare and administer these medications.
Complications of the Procedure
The risks associated with this procedure are:
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Perforation of the gallbladder or a bile duct |
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Pneumothorax |
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Bleeding |
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Infection |
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Laceration of the Liver |
The Procedure
Liver biopsy usually takes 30 minutes to perform. When you arrive at the hospital, an IV will be placed. You blood pressure etc. will be recorded. During the procedure, local anesthetic will be administered to the biopsy site. You may (or may not) have IV sedation administered. It is imperative that your breathing be carefully coordinated with your physician's instructions during the procedure. This will help to minimize the complications of the procedure.
The biopsy itself takes less than a minute in most cases. If the sample of tissue is sufficient, then you will be returned to the recovery area. If more tissue is needed, a second pass of the needle will be performed.
After the Procedure (Post-op)
After the procedure, you will be returned to the recovery area. Your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation will bemonitored very closely during the first two hours after the procedure. You will be placed on your right side, for approximately 1-2 hours in order to help put pressure on the biopsy site.
After the first 2 hours, you will be monitored for the next 4 hours. If you have no problems, you will sent home. You should have someone to stay with you during the following night.
Over the next 72 hours, do not perform any strenuous activities or heavy lifting. This may dislodge any blood clots near the biopsy site. No medications such as aspirin, Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen etc. should be taken. If you have pain, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is usually acceptable in small doses ( 2 350 mg tablets). If you have pain that requires more analgesic, please contact the office. More appropriate medications will then be prescribed.
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