Name of the Procedure:

Liver Imaging (Static) Common names: Liver Scan, Static Hepatobiliary Imaging Medical term: Hepatic Scintigraphy

Summary

A liver imaging procedure uses a small amount of radioactive material to create images of the liver. These static (non-moving) images help doctors assess the liver's structure and function. The procedure is non-invasive and provides critical information about various liver conditions.

Purpose

Static liver imaging helps diagnose and evaluate liver diseases, such as tumors, cysts, infections, and liver dysfunction. The primary goal is to identify abnormalities in liver size, shape, and function, facilitating early diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.

Indications

• Unexplained liver pain or discomfort
• Elevated liver enzymes or bilirubin levels
• Suspected liver tumors or masses
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Monitoring known liver conditions or treatment effects

Preparation

• Fasting may be required for a few hours before the procedure.
• Avoid certain medications as directed by your physician.
• Pre-procedure blood tests might be necessary to assess liver function.

Procedure Description

1. You will lie down on a scanning table.
2. A small amount of radioactive tracer will be injected into a vein, usually in your arm.
3. The tracer travels to the liver and emits gamma rays.
4. A special camera (gamma camera) detects these rays and creates detailed images of the liver.
5. The procedure is non-invasive and does not involve pain.
6. There is no need for anesthesia or sedation.

Duration

The entire procedure typically takes between 1 to 2 hours, including waiting time for the tracer to distribute.

Setting

The procedure is usually performed in a hospital's imaging department or a specialized outpatient clinic.

Personnel

• Radiologist or Nuclear Medicine Physician
• Radiologic Technologist or Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Risks and Complications

• Allergic reaction to the radioactive tracer (rare)
• Slight discomfort at the injection site
• Minimal radiation exposure, generally considered safe

Benefits

• Non-invasive and painless diagnostic tool
• Helps detect liver abnormalities accurately
• Provides functional and structural information about the liver
• Results can be obtained relatively quickly

Recovery

• Immediate return to normal activities post-procedure.
• Hydrate well to help flush the radioactive tracer from your body.
• Follow any specific instructions from your healthcare provider.

Alternatives

• Ultrasound: Non-invasive, no radiation, but less detailed.
• CT Scan: More detailed images, involves higher radiation.
• MRI: Detailed images, no radiation, more expensive and time-consuming.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, you may feel a brief pinch from the injection. You will need to remain still while the gamma camera captures images. Some patients may feel slightly anxious due to the scanner's proximity, but the process itself is painless. After the procedure, there are no significant restrictions, and you can resume normal activities immediately.