Our Summary

This study examined the effectiveness of two different sized needles used for liver biopsies, specifically those guided by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). The researchers tested a 19-gauge needle and a 22-gauge needle on 42 patients who needed a liver biopsy due to abnormal liver enzymes.

They found that the 19-gauge needle was able to get a longer sample of liver tissue than the 22-gauge needle. In cases where the 22-gauge needle did not provide a large enough sample, they had to go back in with the 19-gauge needle. Despite the larger size, using the 19-gauge needle did not cause more pain or discomfort for patients than the 22-gauge needle.

Overall, these findings suggest that the 19-gauge needle is a better option for these types of biopsies, as it provides a larger sample for testing and does not cause additional discomfort for patients.

FAQs

  1. What was the main purpose of the study on liver biopsies?
  2. Which size needle was found to be more effective for liver biopsies and why?
  3. Did the use of a larger needle (19-gauge) cause more discomfort or pain for patients?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about liver biopsy is to discuss with their healthcare provider about using a 19-gauge needle for the procedure, as it may provide a larger sample of liver tissue for testing without causing more pain or discomfort.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a liver biopsy include those with:

  • Abnormal liver function tests
  • Suspected liver disease or liver damage
  • Suspected liver cancer or tumors
  • Monitoring liver disease progression or treatment effectiveness
  • Evaluation of liver transplant rejection
  • Diagnosis of liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, cirrhosis, or autoimmune liver diseases

Liver biopsies are usually recommended when other non-invasive tests, such as blood tests, imaging studies, or ultrasound, do not provide enough information for a definitive diagnosis. The biopsy helps to obtain a tissue sample for further analysis and diagnosis.

Timeline

Before the liver biopsy:

  1. Patient consults with their healthcare provider and discusses the need for a liver biopsy.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-procedure tests such as blood work and imaging to assess liver function and anatomy.
  3. Patient receives instructions on fasting or medication adjustments prior to the procedure.

During the liver biopsy:

  1. Patient is positioned on their back or side on a procedure table.
  2. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area where the biopsy needle will be inserted.
  3. The healthcare provider uses ultrasound or other imaging techniques to guide the needle into the liver and collect a tissue sample.
  4. The patient may feel pressure or a brief sharp pain during the biopsy procedure.
  5. The tissue sample is sent to a lab for analysis.

After the liver biopsy:

  1. Patient is monitored for a few hours post-procedure to check for any complications such as bleeding or infection.
  2. Patient may experience mild discomfort or pain at the biopsy site, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
  3. Patient is advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few days and to follow any additional post-procedure instructions from their healthcare provider.
  4. Patient receives the biopsy results from their healthcare provider during a follow-up appointment.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about liver biopsy include:

  1. Why do I need a liver biopsy?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications of a liver biopsy?
  3. How will the liver biopsy be performed?
  4. Will I be sedated during the procedure?
  5. How long will the procedure take?
  6. How soon will I receive the results of the biopsy?
  7. What will the biopsy results tell us about my liver health?
  8. What follow-up care or monitoring will be needed after the biopsy?
  9. Are there any specific instructions I need to follow before or after the biopsy?
  10. Are there any alternatives to a liver biopsy that could provide the same information about my liver health?

Reference

Authors: Diehl DL, Sangwan V, Johal AS, Khara HS, Confer B. Journal: Gastrointest Endosc. 2024 Jun;99(6):931-937. doi: 10.1016/j.gie.2023.12.022. Epub 2023 Dec 21. PMID: 38141686