What is a liver biopsy?

Your doctor may order a liver biopsy to better understand your liver disease.  A liver biopsy is a procedure in which a very small portion of liver tissue is obtained to examine under a microscope.  This information may help your doctor determine information regarding diagnosis, prognosis and treatment options.

Where is the procedure done?

At the University of Chicago, liver biopsy is most commonly performed by our liver doctors as an outpatient procedure in our GI procedures unit located in the DCAM (6H).  In most cases your doctor will be present for your procedure.  In some instances, another physician from our group will supervise the procedure.  Sometimes the procedure is performed by specialists in Radiology.

How do I prepare for the procedure?

The most important preparation for a liver biopsy is to AVOID taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or similar products which are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for 7 days prior to the procedure.  Taking these medications may increase the risk of complications from the procedure.  If you are taking any of these medications, blood thinners, or other pain medications, please alert and discuss with you doctor at least 7 days prior to your procedure.  Your doctor will tell you which medicines are safe to continue and which ones should not be taken.

You should have a friend or family member accompany you to the procedure.

When do I arrive?  What happens next?

You should arrive 1 hour before your appointment.  In most cases this means 7 am.  On arrival you will be checked in and a i.v. line will be placed by the nurse.  You will also have blood drawn prior to the procedure.  Your doctor will discuss he procedure with you, answer any questions, and have you sign a consent form.

How is the procedure done?

Your doctor will examine you and perform an ultrasound to mark an ideal location for the biopsy.  This will generally be a spot between your lower ribs on the right side.  Your skin and area beneath will be numbed with an injection.  The biopsy is then performed by placing a needle between the ribs into the liver.  The biopsy portion of the procedure usually only takes a few seconds.  Occasionally the biopsy may need to be repeated immediately if an adequate sample is not obtained.

What are the complications?

The majority of patients have no complications from liver biopsy.  Some patients (about 1/3) may experience mild discomfort in the abdomen or right shoulder after the procedure.  Rarely, patients can have significant bleeding or damage to other organs such as the lung.

What happens after the procedure?

Immediately following the procedure, the nurse will place a bandage and you will lay on your right side.  Most patients are observed for 2-3 hours after the procedure.  If you have discomfort after the procedure you doctor may prescribe pain medication.