A liver biopsy is performed by taking a small tissue sample from the liver to be examined for signs of damage or disease. There are several types of liver biopsies, including percutaneous, transjugular, and laparoscopic approaches.
Percutaneous Liver Biopsy
- The person lies on their back with the right hand above the head.
- A local anesthetic is applied to numb the area on the right side of the abdomen, typically just below or toward the bottom of the rib cage.
- Ultrasound or CT scan may be used to locate the liver and guide the biopsy needle.
- The doctor makes a small incision and inserts the needle into the liver, asking the person to exhale and hold their breath while the tissue sample is quickly taken.
- The needle may be inserted multiple times if more samples are needed.
- Afterward, a bandage is applied and the person lies on their right side for a few hours to minimize bleeding risk.
Transjugular Liver Biopsy
- Used when blood clotting is impaired or ascites (fluid in the abdomen) is present.
- A local anesthetic is applied on one side of the neck.
- A small incision is made, and a catheter is threaded down from the jugular vein in the neck into the veins in the liver using X-ray guidance.
- A biopsy needle is passed through the catheter to take liver tissue samples.
- The catheter is removed after the procedure and a bandage applied to the neck.
- Monitoring for bleeding occurs for several hours after the biopsy.
Laparoscopic Liver Biopsy
- This is done under general anesthesia in an operating room.
- Small incisions are made in the abdomen.
- A laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) is inserted to locate the liver.
- Biopsy needles or surgical instruments are used to take tissue samples.
- The incisions are then closed with stitches.
- This method allows direct visualization of the liver and immediate treatment of any bleeding.
These biopsy samples are then sent to a laboratory for microscopic examination to diagnose liver conditions or diseases.
