In a liver biopsy, the physician examines a small piece of tissue from your liver for signs of damage or disease. A special needle is used to remove the tissue from the liver. The physician decides to do a liver biopsy after tests suggest that the liver does not work properly. For example, a blood test might show that your blood contains higher than normal levels of liver enzymes or too much iron or copper. Preparation
Before scheduling your biopsy, the physician will take blood samples to make sure your blood clots properly. Be sure to mention any medications you take, especially those that affect blood clotting, like blood thinners. One week before the procedure, you will have to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and anticoagulants.
You must not eat or drink anything for 8 hours before the biopsy, and you should plan to arrive at the hospital about an hour before the scheduled time of the procedure. Your physician will tell you whether to take your regular medications during the fasting period and may give you other special instructions. Procedure
A Liver biopsy is considered minor surgery, so it is done as an out patient procedure. For the biopsy, you will lie on a hospital bed on your back with your right hand above your head. After marking the target and injecting a local anesthetic to numb the area, the physician will use a biopsy needle to remove a piece of your liver tissue. The needle is designed somewhat like a gun. It has a trigger and when it is positioned the trigger is pulled and a needle comes out and back in about a second. Click, Click and you are done.
In some cases, the physician may use an ultrasound image of the liver to help guide the needle to a specific spot. You will need to hold very still so that the physician does not nick the lung or gallbladder, which are close to the liver. You may feel pressure and a dull pain. The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes. Recovery
After the biopsy, the physician will put a bandage over the incision. Depending on if the incision was made on the side or front he will have you lie on your right side, pressed against a towel or on your back for 2 to 4 hours. The nurse will monitor your vital signs and level of pain.
You will need to arrange for someone to take you home from the hospital since you will not be allowed to drive after having the sedative. You must go directly home and remain in bed (except to use the bathroom) for 8 to 12 hours, depending on your physician's instructions. Also, avoid exertion for the next week so that the incision and liver can heal. You can expect a little soreness at the incision site and possibly some pain in your right shoulder. This pain is caused by irritation of the diaphragm muscle (the pain usually radiates to the shoulder) and should disappear within a few hours or days. Your physician may recommend that you take Tylenol for pain, but you must not take aspirin or ibuprofen for the first week after surgery. These medicines decrease blood clotting, which is crucial for healing.
Like any surgery, liver biopsy does have some risks, such as puncture of the lung or gallbladder, infection, bleeding, and pain, but these complications are rare. Source:
http://medlineplus.gov/ |
