Liver Biopsy

Definition

A Liver Biopsy is a procedure to obtain a sample of liver tissue for analysis and diagnosis.

Description

Cellular material from the liver may be useful in evaluating liver disease, including cancer. Liver biopsy is especially useful when the clinical findings and laboratory tests are not diagnostic and when the diagnosis or etiology of disease cannot be established by other means.

Clinical Indications

Liver biopsies may be helpful in detecting the following:

1. Benign disorders such as:

• Metabolic disorders

• Fatty changes

• Accumulation of bile (due to hepatitis, obstructive jaundice, or malignancy)

• Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver)

• Abscess (collection of pus)

• Liver cysts

2. Malignant processes such as:

• Primary tumors of the liver

• Cholangiocarcinoma

• Metastatic tumors (tumors arising from other organs and spreading to the liver)

Procedure

The test is often done at the bedside under local anesthesia. Specimens may be obtained using ultrasound guidance with a core biopsy needle or using fine-needle aspiration (drawing out liver cells with gentle suction through a narrow needle).

Initially the skin is anesthetized with a small amount of local anesthetic. The biopsy needle is then inserted quickly into the liver and withdrawn equally quickly.

The procedure usually causes minimal discomfort. There is a small but definite risk of bleeding and infection within the abdomen. Bed rest is recommended after the procedure.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Why is a liver biopsy indicated?

What is the purpose of the biopsy?

What abnormalities are suspected?

How will the biopsy be performed?

How reliable are the results of a liver biopsy?