Name of the Procedure:

Biopsy of liver, needle; percutaneous
Common Names: Liver biopsy, Needle liver biopsy

Summary

A percutaneous liver biopsy involves using a special needle to extract a small sample of liver tissue. This procedure is typically guided by imaging technologies such as ultrasound or CT scan to ensure accuracy and minimize complications.

Purpose

This procedure helps diagnose liver diseases, monitor the severity of liver conditions, and assess the efficacy of ongoing treatments. It is crucial for identifying issues like inflammation, scarring, infections, or cancer within the liver.

Indications

• Unexplained liver enzyme abnormalities
• Suspected liver diseases (e.g., hepatitis, cirrhosis)
• Monitoring known liver conditions
• Assessing liver tumors or metastases
• Evaluating the liver's response to treatment

Preparation

Patients may need to:

• Fast for 6-8 hours prior to the procedure.
• Avoid certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the doctor.
• Undergo preliminary blood tests to check clotting function.
• Ensure a caregiver is available to drive them home post-procedure.

Procedure Description

1. The patient lies on their back with their right hand above their head.
2. The skin is cleaned and a local anesthetic is injected to numb the area.
3. Using ultrasound or CT guidance, the doctor inserts a thin, hollow needle through the skin into the liver to obtain a tissue sample.
4. The needle is quickly removed, and the sample is sent to a lab for analysis.
5. Pressure is applied to the biopsy site to prevent bleeding, followed by a bandage.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 15-30 minutes, not including preparation and recovery time.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or specialized surgical center.

Personnel

• Interventional radiologist or a hepatologist
• Nurses
• Technicians skilled in imaging technologies (e.g., ultrasound technologist)

Risks and Complications

• Pain at the biopsy site
• Bleeding or hematoma formation
• Infection
• Puncture of other organs (rare)
• Allergic reaction to anesthetics

Benefits

• Accurate diagnosis of liver conditions
• Detailed assessment of liver scarring or damage
• Informed decision-making for treatment plans
• Immediate results often available within a few days

Recovery

• Patients are usually observed for a few hours post-procedure to monitor for complications.
• Rest for the remainder of the day is advised.
• Normal activities can typically be resumed within 1-2 days.
• Follow-up appointment for discussing biopsy results and further treatment.

Alternatives

• Imaging tests (e.g., MRI, CT scan) for non-invasive assessment.
• Blood tests assessing liver function markers.
• Pros: Non-invasive, no recovery time.
• Cons: Less detailed and definitive compared to a biopsy.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients should experience minimal discomfort due to local anesthesia. Mild pain or soreness at the biopsy site may occur afterward, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients recover quickly and can return to normal activities within a day or two.