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Liver biopsy indicates an operation to take out a tiny portion of the organ for microscopic examination to check for liver disease. There are three main methods by which liver biopsy is performed: laparoscopic, transvenous and percutaneous. When liver problems cannot be diagnosed with imaging techniques or through blood tests, then liver biopsy is done. For this procedure, patients may be sedated, so they are advised not to drive immediately afterwards. The results of this procedure are obtained in a few days.
Performing A Liver Biopsy
All three methods of liver biopsy involve taking out liver tissue with the help of a needle. The difference lies in the type of needle insertion. This procedure may be done at an outpatient center or in a hospital.
Laparoscopic Liver Biopsy
This operation is used to get samples from one or many areas. The procedure is adopted when there is a danger of spreading of infection or cancer. The abdomen is chosen to make an incision. A cannula (tube-like instrument) is then inserted into the incision. Through the cannula, a needle is sent inside the liver and a sample is withdrawn.
Transvenous Liver Biopsy
This procedure is used if a patient has ascites (excess fluid in the abdominal area), or if his or her blood clots slowly. During the operation, the neck is sedated with a local anesthetic. A tiny incision is done on the sedated part of the neck. Then, a sheath (hollow tube) is used for insertion into a hepatic vein inside the liver. A needle is then inserted inside the liver through the sheath and a sample is taken.
Percutaneous Liver Biopsy
This method involves insertion of a needle into the liver through the abdomen to take out a tiny piece of tissue. Doctors use computerized tomography (CT), ultrasound or related imaging techniques to find the liver and avoid sticking the needle into other organs. The doctor creates a tiny incision in the abdomen to insert the needle. Multiple insertions may be required to collect several samples.
Recovery
Patients recover in one to two days but they should avoid strenuous activity or exercises during this period. Soreness in the area of the incision may last for nearly a week. Patients need to consult a doctor before they can take pain medication. The major risk from this procedure is excessive bleeding.
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