Liver biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing and managing many types of liver diseases. It uses special techniques to extract one or more tiny samples of liver tissue for lab evaluation. Today, multiple techniques are used to extract tissue, and understanding what each involves is important for feeling more confident about your procedure and the accuracy of your results.
At Desert West Surgery, our team uses advanced techniques for liver biopsy procedures to support diagnostic precision based on your specific needs. Here, learn about the three types of liver biopsy procedures and how they compare.
Doctors typically recommend liver biopsies to diagnose liver disease that can’t be diagnosed with imaging or lab tests. They also use biopsies to determine the severity of liver disease (a process called staging), to determine the best course of treatment, and sometimes to monitor treatment.
The most common type of liver biopsy, percutaneous liver biopsy, uses a hollow needle to remove a tiny sample of liver tissue. The needle is inserted through your belly and into your liver.
During this type of biopsy, you’ll lie on your back with your right arm above your head. Your doctor administers a local anesthetic to numb the area, and you may be given pain medication and sedatives to help you relax.
Once the area is numbed, the doctor inserts the needle using diagnostic imaging to guide its placement. You’ll need to hold your breath briefly, raising your ribcage to make it easier to access your liver. After taking the samples, the doctor removes the needles and places a bandage over the needle wound.
A transvenous biopsy accesses the liver through the jugular vein in the neck. This type of biopsy is typically used for people with blood clotting issues or fluid buildup in their abdomen.
As with the percutaneous technique, you’ll lie on your back and receive a local anesthetic, along with sedatives and pain medication, as needed. Diagnostic imaging provides an “inside view” to guide the needle to its proper location.
The doctor makes a tiny incision into your jugular vein, then inserts a special tube or sheath and threads it through the vein to your liver. The doctor injects a special dye that makes the blood vessels and the surgical sheath highly visible with diagnostic imaging.
Next, the doctor threads the biopsy needle through the sheath and into the liver to extract the tissue sample. Once the samples are removed, the doctor removes the needle and sheath and places a special bandage over the incision.
Laparoscopic biopsy uses a special instrument called a laparoscope, a very thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and a camera. This type of biopsy is often recommended instead of a percutaneous biopsy when there’s a risk of spreading an infection or cancer cells.
This type of biopsy uses anesthesia administered via an IV in your arm. Once you’re sedated, the doctor makes a tiny incision in your belly, then inserts a hollow tube called a cannula. The cannula administers gas to expand your belly and make it easier to see and access your liver.
Next, your doctor inserts the biopsy needle through the cannula and removes one or more tissue samples. The doctor then removes the needle and cannula and places a bandage over the incision.
Immediately following your liver biopsy, you’ll need to lie on your right side for several hours to reduce the risk of bleeding. Our team monitors you during this period, checking your blood pressure and providing pain relief before discharging you home.
Full recovery can be expected within a couple of days, but you’ll need to avoid strenuous activity, including exercise and heavy lifting, for about a week. For about a week, you can also expect some soreness around the incision and biopsy site.
Acetaminophen can be used to manage discomfort, but it’s important to avoid medications that can cause bleeding, like aspirin or ibuprofen. Be sure to follow our instructions to ensure healing progresses as quickly as possible.
Your liver tissue sample goes to a special lab for evaluation. You can expect your results within a few days to a week.
Liver biopsies play a critical role in diagnosing and treating liver disease, helping you stay healthy. To learn more about these important diagnostic tests, call Desert West Surgery and schedule a visit at the Las Vegas location nearest you.
