Liver Biopsy

A liver biopsy lets the doctor obtain a small 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 some 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.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A LIVER BIOPSY?

Tell the doctor if you have a personal or family history of a bleeding disorder.
Do not take aspirin, aspirin substitutes or any products containing aspirin or salicylic acid for 10 days before the biopsy. These medicines can increase your chances of bleeding after the biopsy. Do not take Advil, Aleve, Alka-Seltzer, Anacin, Ascriptin, Bayer, BC Powder, Bufferin, Doan's, Ecotrin, Equagesic, Excedrin, Ibuprofen, Motrin or Norgesic Tablets. Read the labels carefully. Call the doctor if you have any doubts about a medicine. You may take Tylenol instead.
Your doctor will instruct you to get blood testing done several days before the biopsy. If your blood test has not already been set up, call the nurse to arrange a time.
Make sure an adult can take you home and stay with you after the biopsy.
Your doctor will give you detailed instructions regarding dietary restrictions to be followed.
Tell your doctor if you have any reactions to medicines, or are allergic to iodine, lidocaine, band-aids, or adhesive tape.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING THE LIVER BIOPSY?

The doctor examines the lower right side of your chest and stomach to find the best area for the biopsy. Occasionally, the biopsy is done with ultrasound guidance to select the biopsy site. The area is cleaned with iodine and alcohol. Sterile towels are placed around the cleaned area. The area is made numb with lidocaine. This stings briefly. A tiny cut is made in your skin. You should not feel this. Your doctor will instruct you in a breathing technique to facilitate the biopsy. The actual performance of the biopsy takes less than five minutes. The tissue sample that is obtained is sent to the pathologist for examination.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO AFTER THE 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 should rest the day of the biopsy. You can return to your normal activities the next day. However, avoid sports, heavy lifting, and straining for the next two days.

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. Other problems 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 may last for a few hours.

WHAT DO I DO AT HOME AFTER MY LIVER BIOPSY?

Watch for any of the following problems during the 24 hours after the liver biopsy:

Increasing pain, dizziness, light-headedness, or trouble breathing
Fever or chills
Swelling or redness at the site of the liver biopsy
Black stool or blood in stool
Abdominal pain

If you experience any of these symptoms, call your Digestive Health Network physician promptly.

TO THE PATIENT

Because education is an important part of comprehensive medical care, you have been provided with this information to prepare you for this procedure. If you have questions about your need for a liver biopsy, alternative tests, the cost of the procedure, methods of billing, or insurance coverage, do not hesitate to speak to your doctor or your doctor's office staff. The physicians of Digestive Health Network are highly trained specialists and welcome your questions regarding their credentials and training. If you have questions that have not been answered, please discuss them with your nurse or physician.