Liver Biopsy
What Is a Liver Biopsy?
A liver biopsy is a procedure to remove a small piece of liver tissue, so it can be examined under a microscope for signs of damage or disease. Your doctor will insert a needle through your skin and into your liver. Imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound are often used to help guide the interventional radiologist’s instruments to the appropriate site.
Before the Liver Biopsy
During the Biopsy
Potential Risks and Complications
After the Liver Biopsy
Call your doctor if you have any of the following:
- Signs of infection at the procedure site, such as redness, swelling, or a fever.
- Bleeding from the procedure site.
- Worsening, severe pain near the procedure site.
- Fainting or feeling lightheaded.
If any further questions or complications arise and you do not know what to do, please call the radiology department at Summit Healthcare at (928) 537-4375, ext. 6549. For questions after hours please ask for ext. 6332.
Getting your biopsy results may take a few days. When the results are ready, your doctor will discuss them with you.