A liver biopsy uses a needle to aspirate, or collect, a tiny sample of liver tissue for examination under a microscope to check for signs of disease including cancer and hepatitis. Biopsies may be ordered when a liver function blood test returns abnormal results, or when an imaging study such as an x-ray, CT scan or ultrasound reveals a possible problem with the liver, such as a tumor or other mass. It may also be used to evaluate inflammation of the liver, to determine the cause of jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), and to monitor the effects of specific medications on the liver.
Liver biopsy uses a needle placed between the ribs on your right side and inserted into the liver to allow the doctor to extract a tissue sample. The biopsy needle is guided by ultrasound or CT scan to ensure it reaches the desired area of the liver. Prior to the procedure, you'll be given a sedative through an IV in your arm and a local anesthetic will be applied to the needle insertion site. In some cases, you may be asked to inhale and hold your breath while the needle is inserted and removed to ensure the needle does not touch your lung. Once the needle is removed, a bandage will be placed on the insertion site.
After a few hours rest on your right side, you'll be allowed to go home. You'll have to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting until Dr. Lai clears you for those activities, and you'll also need to avoid taking aspirin, blood thinners, anti-platelet medicines and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen for at least a week to prevent bleeding.
Below is a short list of the insurance plans we accept. If you do not see your insurance on the list, feel free to call our office. We also offer very reasonable discounted packages for patients who do not have insurance coverage.