Liver Biopsy
(Biopsy of Liver)
Reasons for Procedure TOP
This procedure is done to find the cause of problems with the liver, such as liver disease, cancers, and infection
Possible Complications TOP
Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:
- Excess bleeding
- Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing and sore throat
- Infection
- Damage to nearby organs
Things that may raise the risk of problems are:
- Smoking
- Chronic diseases, such as diabetes or obesity
- Alcohol use disorder
What to Expect TOP
Prior to Procedure
The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:
- Anesthesia options
- Any allergies you may have
- Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
- Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
- Arranging for a ride to and from surgery
- Tests that will need to be done before surgery, such as imaging tests
Anesthesia
You may be given:
- Local anesthesia—the area will be numbed
- General anesthesia—you will be asleep
Description of the Procedure TOP
There are three ways a liver biopsy is done:
- Traditional liver biopsy
- Laparoscopic liver biopsy—to take a biopsy from a specific area of the liver
- Transvenous liver biopsy—to take a biopsy in someone whose blood does not clot well or who has a lot of fluid in the belly
Traditional Liver Biopsy
A small incision will be made near your ribs. An ultrasound or CT scan may be used to help guide the needle. You will need to exhale and hold your breath while the needle is inserted. This may need to be done more than once. The needle and sample will be removed. A bandage will be put on the incision.
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Laparoscopic Liver Biopsy
A tiny incision will be made. A long tool with a camera on the end will be passed into the belly near the liver. More incisions will be made to pass other tools. These tools will be used to remove samples of the liver. The tools will be removed. A bandage will be put over the incision.
Transvenous Liver Biopsy
A tiny flexible tube will be threaded into a vein in the neck or groin. This tube will be threaded into the veins in the liver. A needle will be passed through the tube to get a sample. The tube and needle will be removed.
Immediately After Procedure TOP
You will lie on your right side for at least two hours.
How Long Will It Take? TOP
About 15 to 20 minutes
Will It Hurt? TOP
Pain and cramping at the biopsy site are common in the first few hours or days. You may also have pain in the right shoulder.
Average Hospital Stay TOP
Most people can go home the same day. If there are problems, you may need to stay longer.
Postoperative Care TOP
At the Care Center
Right after the procedure, the staff may give you medicine to treat pain.
During your stay, staff will take steps to lower your chance of infection, such as:
- Washing their hands
- Wearing gloves or masks
- Keeping your incisions covered
You can also lower your chance of infection by:
- Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and staff to do the same
- Reminding staff to wear gloves or masks
- Not letting others touch your incisions
At Home
Activities will need to be limited for a few days. The biopsy results will take 1 to 4 weeks to get back. You and your doctor will discuss the results.
Call Your Doctor TOP
Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:
- Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, more pain, a lot of bleeding, or any discharge from the incision
- Severe belly pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Lightheadedness
- Severe shoulder pain
- Trouble breathing, cough, or chest pain
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
RESOURCES:
American Liver Foundation
https://www.liverfoundation.org
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
https://www.niddk.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Liver Foundation
https://www.liver.ca
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
REFERENCES:
Diagnosing liver disease—liver biopsy and liver function tests. American Liver Foundation website. Available at: https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/the-progression-of-liver-disease/diagnosing-liver-disease/. Accessed August 14, 2020.
Liver biopsy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/liver-biopsy. Accessed August 14, 2020.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, assessment and management. NICE 2016 Jul:NG49.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease-nafld. Accessed August 14, 2020.
Last reviewed March 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
James P. Cornell, MD
Last Updated: 3/3/2021