Several types of biopsies exist.
They are usually performed on anoutpatientbasis underlocalorgeneral anesthesia.
It will also walk you through how the results are interpreted on the pathology report.
Why Did My Provider Order a Liver Biopsy?
A liver biopsy can be used to diagnose, evaluate, or manage liver disease or liver damage.
A biopsy may be ordered if a liver problem cannot be definitively diagnosed with blood or imaging tests.
Types of Liver Biopsy
The three main types of liver biopsies have specific indications and risks.
These types include:
Percutaneous and transjugular biopsies are usually performed withlocal anesthesiathat numbs the biopsy site.
What Does a Liver Biopsy Cost?
Speak with your insurance provider to understand what your plan covers, including anyco-pay or coinsurancecosts.
To better defray expenses, be sure that all of your providersincluding youranesthesiologistand treatment facilityarein-connection providers.
The risks vary by the procedure used and your age, general health, and preexisting medical conditions.
With a percutaneous biopsy, the pain will often clear within a few minutes or hours.
With transjugular and laparoscopic biopsies, the pain may be longer lasting and require stronger medications.
Bleeding
Bleeding is a less common complication of a liver biopsy.
Double-check to be sure.
Before
You will be asked to change into a hospital gown for the procedure.
During
A liver biopsy is performed in a procedure room in one of several different ways.
If the pain is severe, let your healthcare provider know.
This is especially true if larger samples of tissue were taken.
Can I Drive Myself Home?
Others may want to do so just to be safe.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend that someone stay with you overnight in case of an unexpected complication.
This includes avoiding exercise or lifting anything heavier than 10 pounds (including children).
Doing so may increase the risk of bleeding or disrupt larger incisions.
With that said, you should make an effort to walk every day.
This aids healing by increasing blood circulation and prevents constipation andpneumonia.
Start with short walks and increase slightly each day.
Use a cloth barrier to avoid frostbite or saturating the incision.
Always follow your healthcare provider’s wound care instructions.
If you have any problems with healing or your symptoms are not improving, call your provider immediately.
Once the sample is obtained, it is evaluated by a pathologist.
It can also help describe how severe the condition is and how rapidly or slowly it is progressing.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Liver biopsy.
2018;68(6):2230-2238. doi:10.1002/hep.30094
American College of Gastroenterology.Liver biopsy: overview.
doi:10.1016/j.gie.2018.04.2001
National Health Service (NHS).Transjugular liver biopsy.
American Association for the Study of Liver Disease.The liver biopsy: importance and interpretation.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.Cancer grade vs. cancer stage.
