Liver Biopsy Examination: Procedures, Hazards, Outcomes, and Further Details
A liver biopsy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to examine tissue from the liver under a microscope. This test is commonly used to assess diffuse liver diseases and diagnose specific focal liver lesions detected on imaging [1][5].
During a percutaneous liver biopsy, the most common approach, a person remains awake while a doctor inserts a needle into the liver through the skin to obtain a tissue sample [6]. The procedure typically begins with the doctor using an ultrasound machine to locate the liver and injecting lidocaine into the area around the liver before making a tiny incision along the ribs and inserting the needle [4].
The benefits of a liver biopsy are numerous. It can help distinguish between potential causes of liver health issues, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease or autoimmune hepatitis. Moreover, it can aid in diagnosing conditions such as liver disease and liver cancer [7]. By obtaining a small tissue sample for microscopic examination, a liver biopsy can guide treatment decisions by providing detailed information on liver cell damage, fibrosis, inflammation, and the presence of abnormal cells [8].
Key reasons for a liver biopsy include unexplained persistent abnormalities in liver enzymes, evaluation of fatty liver disease, diagnosis and staging of hepatitis, investigating liver tumors or specific lesions, and assessing other liver disorders [2][3][5].
While the overall risk of complications from a liver biopsy is low, at about 1%, with a death rate of 0.2% [9], it is essential to be aware of potential complications. The most common complications include pain after the procedure, bleeding, and bacteria in the bloodstream [3].
A laparoscopic liver biopsy, performed under general anesthesia in an operating room, is another option [10]. This procedure involves making an incision into a person's abdomen and obtaining a liver sample. For most people, a liver biopsy is a safe procedure and unlikely to cause severe pain [11].
After a liver biopsy, a person should remain in the hospital or doctor's office for 2-4 hours for observation [12]. Doctors may advise a person to stop taking aspirin, blood thinners, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 1 week before a biopsy [13]. A person will need blood tests within a month of a liver biopsy to assess their risk of bleeding or other complications.
In conclusion, liver biopsies play a crucial role in diagnosing and understanding various liver conditions. They provide detailed information that can guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes. If you are considering a liver biopsy, it is essential to discuss the risks and benefits with a doctor and ask about alternatives.
- A liver biopsy can help diagnose specific medical conditions such as liver cancer, liver disease, and other liver disorders, thus contributing significantly to the field of oncology and medical-health-wellness.
- While there are alternatives to percutaneous liver biopsy, such as the laparoscopic method, the procedure remains instrumental in assessing diffuse liver diseases, diagnosing focal liver lesions, and investigating liver tumors or abnormal cells.
- Despite its numerous benefits, individuals undergoing liver biopsies must remain cautious about potential complications like pain, bleeding, and bacteria in the bloodstream, and are advised to discuss these risks thoroughly with their doctors.
