A liver biopsy is a procedure in which a small needle is inserted into the liver to collect a tissue sample. The tissue is then analyzed in a laboratory to help doctors diagnose a variety of disorders and diseases in the liver.
A liver biopsy is most often performed to help identify the cause of:
- Persistent abnormal blood tests of liver function
- Unexplained yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
- An abnormality of the liver found on ultrasound, CT scan, or nuclear scan
- Unexplained enlargement of the liver
Is liver biopsy safe?
In most instances there are no complications in obtaining a liver biopsy. However, internal bleeding may sometimes occur, as well as a leak of bile from the liver or gallbladder.
How do I prepare for the procedure?
- Tell your doctor if you're pregnant, have a lung or heart condition, are allergic to any medications, or have bleeding problems.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking blood-thinning medications such as Coumadin, Plavix, Persantine, or Ticlid. Your doctor may prescribe an alternate method for thinning your blood before the procedure.
- For the week before the procedure, do not take aspirin, products containing aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, Naprosyn, or Indocin).
Do not discontinue any medication without first consulting with your primary or referring doctor.
What happens on the day of the biopsy?
Laboratory tests will be performed on the day of the procedure or two to three days before the procedure, as directed by your doctor. These tests may include a blood count, a platelet count, and a measurement of your blood's ability to clot.
Before the procedure:
- Eat a light breakfast.
- A doctor will explain the biopsy procedure in detail, including possible complications, and answer any questions you may have.
During the procedure:
- You will be asked to wear a hospital gown.
- You will lie on your back, with your right elbow out to the side and your right hand under your head. It is important that you remain as still as possible during the procedure.
- An ultrasound may be used to mark the location of your liver.
- You may receive a small dose of a sedative just prior to the procedure.
- The doctor will clean and numb an area on your upper abdomen with a local anesthetic (pain-relieving medication). The doctor will then make a small incision on your upper abdomen and insert a needle into this incision to take a small sample of liver tissue for analysis. You may feel like you've been punched, which is normal. A bandage will be placed over the biopsy site.
- The procedure will take about 5 minutes.
After the procedure:
- You will stay in a recovery room for about four hours for observation.
- You may feel minor discomfort or a dull pain in your shoulders or back. If necessary, a pain medication will be prescribed for you.
- Do not drive or operate machinery for at least eight hours after the procedure.
- Avoid taking aspirin, products containing aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, Advil, Naprosyn, Indocin, or Motrin) for one week after the procedure. You may take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) if needed.
- Do not perform vigorous physical activity for at least 24 hours after the biopsy.
- Your doctor will discuss the biopsy results with you after the procedure.
Warning:
If you have a fever, difficulty breathing, chills, or dizziness, or tenderness or severe pain at the biopsy site or in the chest, shoulder, or abdomen within 72 hours after the procedure, please call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.This document was last reviewed on: 4/17/2006...#9503
