Patient Information
Tests and Treatments: Diagnostic Tests: Biopsies: Liver Biopsy
A liver biopsy lets the doctor get a tiny piece of your liver to be tested. 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.
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.
- Get a blood test at least one week 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.
- You may eat a small breakfast the morning of the biopsy.
- Tell your doctor if you have any reactions to medicines, or are allergic to iodine, lidocaine or band-aids.
- Use the bathroom right before the biopsy so you will not need to go too soon after the biopsy.
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.
- 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 made in your skin. You should not feel this.
- 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. Hold your breath when the doctor asks you to do so. Follow the doctor's instructions during the biopsy.
- A band-aid is placed over the cut. The biopsy is finished.
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 1 of every 1000 patients. 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 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 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, or trouble breathing
- Fever or chills
- Swelling or redness at the site of the liver biopsy
If you have any problems after the liver biopsy, call your specialist or the "GI Doctor on Call" through the MUSC paging operator at (843) 792-2123.