LIVER BIOPSY. The liver

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Chad Roberts
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2 LIVER BIOPSY The liver The liver is a big organ located in the right top part of the abdominal cavity. A healthy liver can metabolize proteins, carbohydrates and fats. It also produces digestive fluid called bile and eliminates toxins from blood. What does liver biopsy consist of? The liver biopsy is a special, safe and fast procedure. It can help your doctor evaluating the state of your liver. During a biopsy, the needle is inserted through the skin (percutaneous) and liver. A small sample of liver tissue is taken, and then sent to the laboratory for examination. What details can be obtained from a liver biopsy? A liver biopsy helps your doctor diagnosing a liver problem such as cirrhosis and fatty liver. It also permits evaluating the causes and the seriousness of the problem. Who needs a liver biopsy? A liver biopsy is necessary in case of: Any symptoms of liver problems such as jaundice (yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes) or dark urine An abnormal imaging of the liver in radiological tests, or any alterations in blood analysis A chronic liver illness A pharmacological treatment that may affect the liver function

3 How to prepare for this test Patients must prepare themselves following these indications: 1 Ensure having all the blood test results requested by the doctor. 2 Stop taking aspirins or any other regulated medicines (ask your doctor). 3 Do not eat nor drink, not even water, after twelve o'clock in the evening prior to the intervention. 4 Try to come with someone who can drive you home after the intervention. 5 Ask your doctors any questions you may have. Possible risks and complications Your doctor will explain to you all possible risks and complications derived from liver biopsy. Some of them are: Infection Internal hemorrhage from the liver Damage to organs near the liver (lungs, gallbladder or the intestine) Need of a second biopsy if the sample taken is not sufficient The procedure A liver biopsy is normally performed as an ambulatory process. The doctor proceeds with the help of a nurse. In certain cases it is necessary to perform an ultrasound scan that can take about 20 minutes. During the procedure o You must ask where to change your clothes and put on the ones provided by the hospital. You will be lied down on your back or on your left side. Certain parts of your body will be covered with sheets and cloths. o Before and after the intervention, you will have your blood pressure and pulse frequency tested. o You may be sedated (with relaxing medicine) intravenously during the intervention. The skin under your right ribs will be disinfected and anesthetized with local anaesthesia. o A small incision will be made, and then a syringe with a hollow needle will be inserted in the incision.

4 o A small sample of the liver tissue will then be taken. You may hold your breath at this point to prevent any injury in other organs. The needle will be taken out in one or two seconds. o After taking the sample, a bandage will be applied to the incision area. You must ask how long you have to lie on your right side. A pillow may be used to increase the pressure on the incision. The incision will cure itself. o You may be monitored a few hours after the intervention. After the intervention You must come with someone who can drive you home after the intervention, as you must rest. You may feel some pain near the biopsy area or on your right shoulder. You must avoid: alcohol, lifting heavy weight, taking aspirins, and doing any exercise during the first days after the intervention. Then, you must follow your doctor's advice. When to call your doctor Call your doctor immediately if: 1 You feel an acute pain near the biopsy area, on the abdomen or on your chest. 2 You feel dizziness. 3 You have breathing problems. The results of pathological anatomy The sample of liver tissue is sent to the laboratory to be examined under the microscope. The results are ready in 10 to 15 days approximately. When the results are ready, your doctor will explain them to you.

Liver Biopsy. What is a liver biopsy and how is it done? How do I prepare for a liver biopsy?

Liver Biopsy. What is a liver biopsy and how is it done? How do I prepare for a liver biopsy? What is a liver biopsy and how is it done? A liver biopsy is a diagnostic procedure, performed by the doctors of the Gastroenterology Division of Internal Medicine. Occasionally, liver biopsy is performed