Back to Homepage
What is a liver biopsy?
A liver biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of liver tissue is collected for examination under a microscope. This procedure is performed to assess the health and condition of a transplanted liver to monitor a possible rejection or infection and evaluate the response to the treatment.
Two primary methods for performing a liver biopsy are used; percutaneous and transjugular. The most common type, percutaneous liver biopsy involves the following steps. First, the patients lie on their back and the healthcare provider identifies the optimal location for the biopsy on the right side of the abdomen, just below the ribcage. Then the area is cleared and numbed with a local anesthetic, afterward a thin hollow needle is inserted through the skin and into the liver to collect a small tissue sample.
Once the sample is collected, the needle is removed and the incision side is covered with a bandage.
During a transjugular liver biopsy, a small incision is first made in the neck to assess the jugular vein. Subsequently, a small tube is guided through the vein to reach the liver. Contrast dye is injected to help the doctor see the liver blood vessel on X-rays.
Once in position, a small biopsy needle is then passed through the plastic tube to collect a tiny sample of liver tissue. Following the biopsy, the catheter is removed and the incision side is covered with a bandage. After the liver biopsy, the collected tissue sample is sent to a lab where the pathologist and the transplant surgeon examine together the sample under a microscope.
Whether through the percutaneous or transjugular method, each technique serves a specific purpose in obtaining liver tissue and helps monitor the health and condition of the transplanted liver.
