Liver biopsy

During a liver biopsy, a small piece of tissue is removed from the liver with a thin needle, which can then be examined under a microscope for pathological changes.

Procedure of the examination

You should fast, i.e. not eat any liquid or solid food for at least 6 hours before the liver biopsy. A blood sample is taken before the biopsy to check blood clotting.

You will lie on your back with your right arm behind your head. After the boundaries of the liver have been determined (usually with the help of an ultrasound device), the site of tissue removal in the lower right chest area is disinfected and desensitized by injecting an agent. If necessary, the examination can be performed under sedation (see endoscopic procedures). A venous cannula is required on the forearm for sedation/painkiller administration. A minimal incision is then made and a small piece of liver is removed with a needle. This maneuver only takes 2 to 3 seconds.

The entire procedure takes about 30 minutes.

After the biopsy, you will have to stay in bed for at least a few hours. Your pulse and blood pressure will be checked regularly during this time. After this time, you will usually be able to go home. It is possible that you will feel a slight dull pain in the area of the puncture site for a few hours after the liver puncture, which may radiate into the right shoulder. The pain is caused by a harmless irritation of the abdomen or diaphragm and can be relieved with simple painkillers. You should also avoid any physically strenuous activities on the same day. The time required for this examination is 5 hours.

The results of the liver biopsy will not be available until a few days later, once the pathologist has examined the tissue.