Liver Biopsy
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Overview
A liver biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small sample of liver tissue is removed so that doctors can examine the liver’s condition more closely. It provides an accurate assessment of liver health, helping to diagnose diseases and guide treatment.
Why is a Liver Biopsy Done?
Your doctor may recommend a liver biopsy when other tests indicate possible liver dysfunction but do not provide enough information. It helps to:
- Diagnose liver diseases and determine their stage.
- Detect infections or cancers within the liver.
- Identify the cause of liver swelling or abnormal liver enzyme levels.
How to Prepare for a Liver Biopsy
Before the procedure, your doctor will:
- Conduct blood tests to ensure your blood clots properly.
- Advise you to fast (no food or drink) for about 8 hours before the biopsy.
Be sure to inform your doctor about:
- All medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you take.
- Any bleeding disorders you may have.
- Allergies, especially to anesthetics or medications.
- Pregnancy status.
Your doctor may provide additional instructions regarding medication management before the biopsy.
How is the Liver Biopsy Performed?
The biopsy is usually done in a hospital and can be performed via different methods:
You lie on your back with your right arm above your head. After numbing the area with a local anesthetic, a small incision is made near your right rib cage. Using an ultrasound for guidance, a needle is inserted to collect a tiny piece of liver tissue. You will need to hold your breath briefly during the needle insertion. The procedure takes about 20 minutes.
A small camera called a laparoscope is inserted through a small abdominal incision, allowing the doctor to see the liver and take tissue samples using special instruments. This method is used when tissue from a specific liver area is needed.
Used for patients with bleeding risks or abdominal fluid. A catheter is inserted through a vein in the neck and guided to the liver. Tissue samples are collected via this catheter, reducing bleeding risk.
What to Expect After a Liver Biopsy
- A bandage will be placed over the incision.
- You will rest lying on your right side for a few hours.
- Mild pain or soreness in the biopsy area or right shoulder is common and usually resolves in a few days.
- Your doctor will provide instructions on activity restrictions and symptom monitoring.
Risks of a Liver Biopsy
Although generally safe, liver biopsy carries some risks, including:
- Internal bleeding
- Injury to nearby organs such as lungs or gallbladder
- Infection
- Pain at the biopsy site
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- How large is the tissue sample?
- Will this be an outpatient or inpatient procedure?
- What type of biopsy will I have?
- How conclusive are the results?
- How long does the procedure take?
- What is the recovery time?
- What are the risks and chances of complications?
- Should I stop any medications before the biopsy?
- Will I need someone to accompany me home?
Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
Liver function tests are blood tests used to evaluate the liver’s health and detect liver damage. They measure levels of enzymes, proteins, and substances related to liver function.
Why are Liver Function Tests Done?
LFTs may be ordered:
- As part of routine health screenings.
- To screen patients at risk of liver disease.
- To monitor progression of known liver disease.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of treatments.
Common Liver Function Tests
Liver Enzyme Tests
- Alanine Transaminase (ALT):
An enzyme primarily found in the liver. High ALT levels indicate liver cell injury. - Aspartate Transaminase (AST):
Present in the liver and other tissues. Elevated AST can signal liver damage but is less specific than ALT. - Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP):
Found in liver and bile ducts. High ALP levels can indicate bile duct blockage or liver damage. - Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT):
Elevated in bile duct disease and liver damage.
Liver Protein Tests
- Total Protein:
Measures all proteins in blood, including albumin and globulin. - Albumin:
A protein made by the liver. Low levels can indicate poor liver function. - Globulin:
Includes immune proteins; abnormal levels may suggest liver or immune disease.
Bilirubin Tests
- Bilirubin:
A yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down. Elevated bilirubin causes jaundice and signals liver dysfunction.
What Do Abnormal Liver Function Tests Mean?
Abnormal LFTs may indicate liver inflammation, bile duct problems, liver damage, or other conditions such as infections or autoimmune diseases. Your doctor will interpret these tests along with your symptoms and other investigations.
How Can Liver Transplantation Portal Help You?
At Liver Transplantation Portal, we connect you with expert hepatologists and advanced diagnostic centers to ensure you receive a comprehensive and accurate liver evaluation. If your liver tests or biopsy indicate advanced liver disease requiring transplantation, our platform supports you in finding a suitable donor and navigating the transplant process efficiently.
Why Choose Liver Transplantation Portal?
Our mission is to provide reliable, compassionate care by linking you to top specialists and resources, ensuring you get the best treatment and information tailored to your unique liver health needs.
Contact us today to schedule your liver assessment and begin your journey toward better liver health