Our Summary

This study looked at why and how often liver biopsies were done in an outpatient setting over a five-year period. It found that the main reason for a liver biopsy changed from Hepatitis C infection to a disease called metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease over the period studied. The researchers found that about half of the patients reported pain from the biopsy, with women more likely than men to report pain. Serious complications from the biopsy were rare, but about 2% of patients needed to be admitted to the hospital. The researchers concluded that liver biopsies are generally safe, but better methods to manage pain, especially in female patients, are needed.

FAQs

  1. What was the main reason for liver biopsies according to the study?
  2. What percentage of patients reported pain after undergoing a liver biopsy?
  3. How frequently did serious complications occur from the liver biopsies as per the study?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about liver biopsy is to make sure to follow all pre-procedure instructions, such as fasting before the procedure. It is also important to inform the doctor of any medications or supplements being taken, as some may need to be temporarily stopped before the biopsy. After the procedure, it is important to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a period of time as recommended by the doctor to allow the liver to heal properly. Finally, it is important to follow up with the doctor for the results of the biopsy and any further treatment recommendations.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a liver biopsy include those with suspected liver diseases such as:

  1. Hepatitis C infection
  2. Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease
  3. Alcoholic liver disease
  4. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
  5. Autoimmune liver diseases
  6. Liver cancer or suspected liver tumors
  7. Monitoring the progression of liver diseases
  8. Evaluating the effectiveness of treatment for liver diseases

It is important for healthcare providers to carefully assess the need for a liver biopsy and weigh the risks and benefits for each individual patient before recommending the procedure.

Timeline

Before liver biopsy:

  1. Patient is referred for a liver biopsy by a healthcare provider.
  2. Patient may undergo blood tests, imaging studies, and other diagnostic tests to assess liver function and determine the need for a biopsy.
  3. Patient may need to fast for a certain period of time before the procedure.
  4. Patient may receive instructions on what medications to avoid before the biopsy.

During liver biopsy:

  1. Patient is typically given local anesthesia to numb the area where the biopsy needle will be inserted.
  2. A thin needle is inserted through the skin and into the liver to collect a small tissue sample.
  3. Patient may feel pressure or discomfort during the procedure.
  4. The tissue sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis.

After liver biopsy:

  1. Patient is monitored for a period of time after the procedure to check for any immediate complications.
  2. Patient may experience some soreness or discomfort at the biopsy site for a few days.
  3. Patient may be advised to avoid strenuous activity for a period of time after the biopsy.
  4. Results of the biopsy are typically available within a few days to a week, and the healthcare provider will discuss the findings with the patient and recommend any necessary treatment or follow-up care.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Why do I need a liver biopsy?
  2. What information will the liver biopsy provide about my condition?
  3. What are the risks associated with a liver biopsy?
  4. How will the procedure be performed?
  5. Will I need to stop any medications before the biopsy?
  6. How should I prepare for the liver biopsy?
  7. What can I expect during the recovery period after the biopsy?
  8. How long will it take to get the results of the biopsy?
  9. What are the potential complications of a liver biopsy?
  10. Are there alternative tests or procedures that could provide similar information without the need for a biopsy?

Reference

Authors: Cunha-Silva M, Torres LD, Fernandes MF, Secundo TML, Moreira MCG, Yamanaka A, Monici LT, Costa LBED, Mazo DF, Sevá-Pereira T. Journal: Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2022 Oct;45(8):579-584. doi: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2021.12.004. Epub 2021 Dec 17. PMID: 34929318