Patient Information
Procedure Preparation: Liver Biopsy
A liver biopsy lets the doctor get a tiny piece of your liver to test (examine). The doctor examines this piece of liver under a microscope to find the cause of your liver disease and the amount of damage to your liver. Liver disease may result in abnormal liver tests or an enlarged liver.
How is a liver biopsy used?
In many cases, the doctor can find the cause of your liver disease from the results of your blood tests. A liver biopsy confirms the cause and finds the amount of damage to the liver. If you have had a liver transplant, the doctor can use a liver biopsy to find the cause of abnormal liver tests and to see if the liver is being rejected. If you have a liver tumor, the doctor can learn more about the tumor by taking a liver biopsy.
What will happen during my liver biopsy?
The doctor examines the lower right side of your chest and stomach to find the best area for the biopsy. The area is cleaned with iodine and alcohol. Sterile paper towels are placed around the cleaned area. The area is made numb with lidocaine. This stings briefly. A tiny cut is then made in your skin, but you should not feel it.
The doctor passes the biopsy needle quickly into and out of the liver through the cut. You may feel a pushing sensation or a pinch. Stop breathing when the doctor asks you to do so. (Be sure to follow the doctor's instructions during the biopsy.) Finally, a band-aid is placed over the cut and the biopsy is finished.
You should not feel any pain during the procedure.
Most people do not even remember the test.
What will happen after my liver biopsy?
After the biopsy, you will lie on your right side for an hour or two. This will put pressure on the biopsy site. You will be carefully watched during the next four to six hours. You will stay in bed and a nurse will check your pulse and blood pressure often. You may have some discomfort in your shoulder or neck. This should be mild and will go away in an hour or two. You may take a painkiller if needed.
If a problem occurs, you will have to stay in the hospital. If there are no problems, you can go home four to six hours after the test. You will not be allowed to leave alone. An adult must take you home. You may not drive yourself.
If you come alone, your procedure
will have to be rescheduled.
You should rest the day of the biopsy.
Over the next 24-48 hours....
- Avoid playing sports.
- No heavy lifting and straining.
- Return to your normal activities the next day.
What are the risks of a liver biopsy?
The main risk of liver biopsy is bleeding from the spot where the needle entered your liver. This occurs in less than one out of every one-thousand patients.
Other problems may include the puncture of other organs, such as the kidney, lung, gallbladder or colon.
Puncture of the liver itself can lead to the leakage of bile into the stomach cavity. This may cause pain that could last for a few hours.