Liver biopsy

Why a liver biopsy?

Some liver diseases can only be diagnosed with certainty this way. If the diagnosis is already known, a biopsy may be necessary to know the severity of the liver damage. In this way, the appropriate treatment can be determined. A biopsy can also be useful after treatment to check the effect of this treatment.

The tissue sample taken is further examined microscopically in the hospital lab.

Preparation

Inform your doctor of any medication you are taking. You must stop medications that make the blood less clotable (blood thinners, aspirin...) one week before the puncture. From six hours before the examination you must remain sober.

The examination

You will stay in the internal day hospital on the day of your examination. The examination itself takes place in the endoscopy department. The doctor first determines where the needle should be inserted. The exact spot on the skin is disinfected and locally anaesthetized.

Then the doctor makes a small incision and the needle is inserted. The moment the doctor inserts the needle into the liver and takes the biopsy, you will have to hold your breath for a few seconds. Inserting the needle into the liver, taking the biopsy and removing the needle takes two to three seconds.

Aftercare

After the examination, you will stay in the internal day hospital for several hours. Your general condition will be checked regularly here. To prevent any bleeding, you will have to lie on your right side for two hours. In the first few hours you may feel some pain at the puncture site or on your right shoulder. After your discharge from the hospital, you should not do any heavy physical work for a few days. You will be informed of the results of the puncture through your doctor.