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Liver Biopsy (LBx)

Liver Biopsy (LBx): Understanding the Procedure

Liver Biopsy (LBx) is a diagnostic procedure used to determine the cause or extent of liver injury. It involves removing a small tissue sample from the liver for examination under a microscope14. Liver biopsies help diagnose liver diseases like cirrhosis, autoimmune hepatitis, fatty liver disease, Wilson’s disease, and hepatitis B or C, determine the stage of liver disease, monitor the liver after a transplant, create a treatment plan, and take a tissue sample from an abnormality1.

Types of Liver Biopsy

• Percutaneous Liver Biopsy: This is the most common method, where a small incision is made in the abdomen, and a thin needle is inserted through the abdomen into the liver to remove a small piece of tissue1568. The doctor may use ultrasound or another imaging technique to locate the liver12.
• Transvenous Liver Biopsy: This method is used if you have blood-clotting problems or fluid in your belly or if you are pregnant24. An incision is made into a vein in your neck, and a hollow tube is put through the vein down to your liver4. A needle goes through the tube to your liver to remove tissue samples4.
• Laparoscopic Liver Biopsy: For this procedure, a small incision is made in the abdomen to insert a laparoscope, which is a thin, lighted tube with a tiny video camera attached14. A needle is put through another tube to remove the sample4. This allows the healthcare provider to see the inside of your belly on a computer screen4.

What Happens During a Percutaneous Liver Biopsy

1. Preparation: You may be asked to stop taking certain medications, especially blood thinners, for at least a week before the procedure1. Blood is drawn to determine its clotting ability, and a medicine may be given to help with clotting1. A light or liquid breakfast is allowed the morning of the biopsy1.
2. Positioning: You will lie on your back with your right hand under your head, and you need to stay as still as you can2.
3. Anesthesia: The skin is cleaned, and numbing medicine is injected into the area using a small needle24.
4. Biopsy: A small cut is made, and the biopsy needle is inserted28. You will be told to hold your breath while the biopsy is taken to reduce the chance of damage to the lung or liver24.
5. Removal: The needle is removed quickly2.
6. Post-Biopsy: Pressure will be applied to stop the bleeding, and a bandage is placed over the insertion site2.

What Happens After a Liver Biopsy

After the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery room, where you will receive discharge instructions1. You will need to remain lying down and have your vital signs regularly checked for at least 4 hours after the procedure3. The preliminary results will be explained to you, and the complete results will be given to the doctor who ordered your procedure. Biopsy results will not be available for about a week1.

Potential Complications

A liver biopsy is generally very safe, but rare complications can include infection, excessive bleeding, and piercing a nearby organ with the needle1. Pain at the site of the biopsy is common1.

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At DrStemCellsThailand (DRSCT)‘s Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Center of Thailand, we emphasize comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cells for managing various health conditions. If you have questions about Liver Biopsy (LBx) or would like more information on our services related to liver health, consult with our experts today!

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References:

• Liver Biopsy: This book provides a detailed overview of liver biopsy, including its indications, techniques, and complications. It covers percutaneous, transjugular, laparoscopic, and plugged biopsy approaches. DOI not available. Visit: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470567/
• Liver Biopsy: This test is performed to diagnose and stage liver disease. DOI not available. Visit: https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/liver-and-gallbladder-disorders/diagnosis-of-liver-gallbladder-and-biliary-disorders/biopsy-of-the-liver
• Percutaneous Liver Biopsy: This article reviews percutaneous liver biopsy. DOI not available. Visit: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8889482/