Liver Biopsy

A liver biopsy is done for a variety of reasons. Sometimes if your liver function is abnormal or there is an abnormal finding on liver imaging your provider will request a biopsy. Liver biopsies can be done through a small incision in the abdominal wall (percutaneously), or through a small incision at the base of the neck through a vein into the liver from the inside (transjugular approach). The providers ordering your biopsy and reviewing your case will decide which approach is most appropriate for you.

Liver biopsies are completed with live ultrasound and/or x-ray, this means the interventional radiology specialist performing the procedure is watching the needle the entire time during your biopsy which helps to improve accuracy and decrease risk.

You will likely receive conscious or “twilight” sedation for a liver biopsy. You will have an IV started prior to the procedure that the procedural nurses can use to administer medications that help with pain and relaxation. Sometimes you will fall asleep and may not remember the procedure, it is also normal to be awake during the procedure.

• We ask that you do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your procedure. This is required to give you sedation for the procedure. It is okay to take small sips of water to take your daily medications if needed.
• We ask that you arrive 1.5 hrs prior to your scheduled procedure time. You will need to have an adult pick you up and drive you home after your procedure as it is not recommended to drive following sedation.
• We will review your medications prior to the procedure, please let the nurse scheduling your procedure know if you are on any blood thinners as those may need to be held prior to your procedure.

• When you arrive, a nurse will have you change into a hospital gown and complete the pre-procedural safety checks, including having blood drawn for routine labs and placing an IV if needed.  
• The procedural nurses will then bring you into a procedure room where you will be positioned and the area that will be biopsied will then be cleaned and prepped.
• You will be given the sedation medications through your IV if needed. In addition to the IV medications you will get a shot of local numbing medicine. The numbing medicine stings and burns a little going in but works very quickly, within about 30 seconds. After the numbing you should only feel pressure while the sample is taken.
• The procedure itself takes approximately 30 minutes. 
• After the procedure you will be taken to a recovery area for 2-3 hours with nurse monitoring. At this time you will be allowed to eat and drink. You will need an adult to pick you up and give you a ride home after recovery.
• Soreness and bruising are normal for a few days and up to 2 weeks following the procedure. You can use ice or over the counter medications approved by your provider as needed for any pain. 
• You can usually go home the same day unless your condition requires hospital observation.