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DownloadA liver biopsy involves taking a sample of tissue from the liver. Then the sample is sent off to the laboratory for analysis of the liver tissue, and it can be used to diagnose and monitor certain liver conditions.
The doctors in charge of your case want to diagnose, rule out or monitor certain liver conditions.
The Consultant in charge of your case, and the Interventional Radiologist (the doctor who specialises in Imaging Procedures) who will be carrying out the TJ Liver Biopsy will have discussed the situation, and feel that this is the best option for you. However, you will also have the opportunity for your opinion to be taken into
account and if, after discussion with your doctors, you do not want the procedure carried out, you can decide against it.
A specialist doctor called an Interventional Radiologist. Interventional Radiologists are experts in using X-ray equipment and in microsurgical techniques.
In the Imaging Department, in a special Interventional Radiology (IR) Procedure Room which is designed for these specialised procedures. You will be checked into the department by a nurse, who will ask some medical questions and fill out some paperwork. The Interventional Radiologist will then talk to you about the procedure, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions or raise any concerns. Only if you are happy to continue with the procedure will you be asked to sign the consent form
It is performed in the IR procedure room. You will lie on a special x-ray table on your back and be covered with sterile drapes with an antiseptic solution.
To prepare for the procedure you will need to make sure you do the following:
You will need to have a blood test before your procedure.
Please let us know if you are taking any antiplatelet medicines (for example, Aspirin, Clopidogrel) or any medicines that thin the blood (for example, Warfarin), as these may need to be stopped temporarily before the procedure. Call the IR department for advice as soon as you get your appointment letter on 01273 696955 Ext. 4240/4278 and ask to speak to one of the IR nursing team.
If you are taking medicines for diabetes (for example metformin) or using insulin, then these may need to be altered around the time of the procedure. Call the IR department on the numbers above for advice as soon as you get your appointment letter.
You cannot eat or drink anything (except water) for four hours before your procedure. You can drink water up to two hours before your procedure.
You will need a responsible adult to take you home.
When the local anaesthetic is injected it will sting for a moment but the stinging will wear off leaving the area of skin numb. After this the procedure should not be painful. However, if you feel discomfort a nurse who will be with you will be able to arrange for further anaesthetic or sedation, if it is required. After the contrast medium (x-ray dye) is injected you will get a warm sensation. You will be awake for the procedure and you will be able to tell the nurse or radiologist if you feel any pain or are uncomfortable in any other way.
Whilst every patient and every patient’s situation is different we allow an hour for the procedure.
You will be required to recover in our recovery area either on a trolley and will stay in the department for up to 4 hours after the procedure. The nurses will carry out routine observations, blood pressure, pulse and monitoring of the skin entry point, to ensure there is no bleeding. We will provide you with something to eat and drink if required after the biopsy. Please arrange for someone to pick you up and take you home and remain with you for 24 hours following the procedure, as you must not drive or use public transport or be at home alone.
Despite the possible complications the procedure is normally very safe. However, the following side effects may occur:
The Radiologist will discuss all risks with you before the procedure and you can then decide if you want to proceed.
Having a biopsy will help your doctor make a diagnosis so that you can get any required treatment.
Scans alone are not always enough to determine the cause or degree of abnormalities, and the best way is to test the liver tissue.
Afterwards
Typically, patients are observed for up to 4 hours and go home the same day.
If you feel you need urgent medical attention or are worried about anything please contact the IR department Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, your GP, or go to your nearest A&E department.
Some of your questions should have been answered by this leaflet but remember that this is only a starting point for discussion about your treatment with the team looking after you.
Make sure you are satisfied that you have received enough information about the procedure before you sign the consent form.
Interventional Radiology: 01273 696955 Ext. 4240/4278
This information is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton & Hove or Haywards Heath.
The information here is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.
Review Date: February 2023