Liver Biopsy in Lehigh Acres, FL

X-rays and MRIs are excellent diagnostic tools, but often organs like the liver require more than imaging –they require cellular analysis. A liver biopsy is the surgical extraction of tissue for lab analysis. A liver test is a common, relatively painless procedure that your healthcare provider may recommend for a more conclusive diagnosis.

To find more about biopsies in Lehigh Acres, call (239) 425-2900 or contact Root Causes Holistic Health & Medicine online today.

What Does A Liver Biopsy Diagnose?

Liver biopsy tests are commonly used to diagnose liver disease , as well as other diseases, like:

• fatty liver disease
• chronic hepatitis A or B
• autoimmune hepatitis
• primary biliary cirrhosis (inflammation and destruction of the bile ducts)
• hemochromatosis
• Wilson’s Disease

Why Should I Have A Liver Biopsy?

Common reasons for performing a liver biopsy procedure include:

• obtaining a sample of an abnormality, like a tumor, detected by an imaging scan
• determining the severity of liver disease
• developing a treatment plan based on the liver’s condition
• monitoring treatment efficacy

Types of Liver Biopsies

The following types of biopsy are performed at a hospital or outpatient clinic. After reviewing your medical history and medications, your healthcare provider will give you IV fluid and a sedative to help keep you relaxed.

Percutaneous

This is the most common type of liver biopsy that usually only takes a few seconds. You’ll receive a local numbing anesthetic at the injection site, and you’ll be asked to hold your breath as an ultrasound-guided needle is quickly inserted to collect the sample(s).

Transjugular

This procedure is a little more involved and longer than a percutaneous biopsy. After applying a local anesthetic to your neck, a flexible plastic tube is inserted into your jugular vein and threaded into your liver’s hepatic vein. A contrast dye is injected into the tube and x-rays are taken. A biopsy needle is then inserted into the tube to extract a tissue sample.

Laparoscopic

While you’re under general anesthesia, your specialist makes several small incisions in your abdomen and inserts a tiny camera that projects images onto a monitor. These video images guide the biopsy.

Recovery

After your liver biopsy, you’ll be taken to a recovery room where a nurse will monitor your vital signs. After a few hours of rest, you’ll be able to go home. You won’t be able to drive safely until the sedative or anesthetic wears of completely, so make sure that you have someone to drive you home.

You’ll likely feel very tired after your procedure. You should avoid heavy lifting, exercise, or stress during your recovery time. Pain, bruising, and soreness at the injection or incision sites is common; if you experience severe pain, bleeding, or other side effects, seek emergency care right away.

Your tissue sample(s) will be sent to a lab for analysis, and you should receive your results within a week. If your biopsy shows something of concern, your healthcare provider will discuss the details and create a treatment plan as soon as possible.

What Are Potential Risks of a Liver Biopsy?

Most liver biopsy complications are uncommon and may include:

• pain: discomfort is normal, and prescription painkillers can be given for severe pain
• bleeding: although some bleeding is to be expected, seek emergency medical help for excessive bleeding
• infection: bacteria may enter your abdomen or bloodstream and cause an infection, necessitating antibiotics
• accidental organ injury: the needle may puncture a nearby organ like your gallbladder; if the needle punctures your lung, it may collapse (pneumothorax)

Uncommon risks of the transjugular procedure may include:

• hematoma: blood may gather around the neck-tube insertion site, causing pain and swelling
• temporary facial nerve issues: your facial or eye nerves can be injured
• voice loss: you may have a hoarse or weak voice temporarily

One 2016 study of transjugular liver biopsy found that in a sample size of 24 subjects, there was an 87.5% success rate, and no complications were reported in 37.5% of the patients. In those with complications, the most common reported discomfort (33.3%) was pain in the right upper abdominal quadrant (where your liver is).

Reserve Your Appointment Now

Liver biopsies are typically quick outpatient procedures with short recovery times and no hospital stay. They are also the best way to diagnose or rule out a broad array of liver conditions. If you believe you may have a liver condition, speak with a liver biopsy specialist in Lehigh Acres, call (239) 425-2900 or contact Root Causes Holistic Health & Medicine online today.