What is Liver Biopsy?
A liver biopsy is the removal of tissue from the liver for testing.
What are the types of liver Biopsy
- Percutaneous biopsy-the most common type of liver biopsy-involves inserting a hollow needle through the abdomen into the liver.
- Transvenous biopsy involves making a small incision in the neck and inserting a needle through a hollow tube called a sheath through the jugular vein to the liver.
- Laparoscopic biopsy involves inserting a laparoscope, a thin tube with a tiny video camera attached, through a small incision to look inside the body to view the surface of organs.
Indications for Liver Biopsy
- Infections and Inflammations of the liver
- Jaundice
- Tumors
- Cysts
- Alcoholic liver disease
Limitations and Complications
A limitation of liver biopsy may be that the results may be variable. A complication like bleeding can occur. Sometimes it may require a blood transfusion.