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

• No food or liquids for 6 hours prior to the procedure. However, you may take all regular medications as scheduled with small sips of water.
• It is required that you arrange for a relative or friend to drive you home after the procedure.
• Report any medications you are taking to the radiology nurse, including “blood thinners”, such as aspirin, Plavix, Lovenox, Coumadin, Pradaxa, Xarelto, or Eliquis. Your physician may advise you to stop taking a “blood thinner” for a specific period of time before your procedure.
• Prior to your procedure, your blood will be tested to determine if your blood clots normally.
• Report any allergies to the radiology nurse, especially those to iodine contrast (x-ray dye) or local anesthetic medications.
• Women should always inform the x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. Many imaging tests are not performed during pregnancy so as not to expose the fetus to radiation.

During the Biopsy

• A nurse will insert an intravenous (IV) line into a vein in your hand or arm so that medication can be given intravenously to help you relax.
• You will be positioned on your back or side on the CT or ultrasound table and images will be taken to find the best location for biopsy.
• The skin is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and the abdominal area is covered with a large sterile sheet.
• You will feel a slight pin prick when the local anesthetic (numbing medicine) is injected in the area.
• Using imaging as a guide, the doctor inserts the needle through the skin and advances it into the liver and removes samples of tissue. While this is done, you will be told to hold your breath. Several specimens may be needed for complete analysis.
• After the sampling, the needle is removed and a bandage is placed over the incision site.
• You will be monitored for a few hours after your biopsy.

Potential Risks and Complications

• Bleeding at the procedure site
• Infection at the procedure site
• Very rarely, the liver may be damaged
• Injury to an adjacent nerve, blood vessel, or muscle