Our Summary

This research paper looks at the risks of bleeding when taking a liver biopsy, which is a technique doctors use to diagnose diseases by taking a small piece of tissue from the liver. The researchers reviewed 68 studies done between 1994 and 2015 to look for common factors that might increase the risk of bleeding.

They found that bleeding of any kind happened in up to 10.9% of liver biopsies, but serious bleeding was much less common, happening in 0.1% to 4.6% of cases. On the whole, the rate of bleeding was less than 2%.

Certain factors were identified that might make it more likely for a patient to bleed after a liver biopsy. These include being older than 50 or younger than 2, being an inpatient at a hospital, having other health conditions, and having a certain level of blood clotting ability. The experience level of the doctor performing the biopsy didn’t seem to affect the risk of bleeding.

The type of needle used and whether or not a clear path could be seen on the ultrasound after the biopsy were also factors that could increase the risk of bleeding.

In summary, while there is a small risk of bleeding after a liver biopsy, most studies found the risk to be less than 2%. However, certain factors, related to the patient, the doctor, and the procedure itself, can increase this risk.

FAQs

  1. What percentage of liver biopsies result in bleeding?
  2. What factors were identified that might increase the risk of bleeding after a liver biopsy?
  3. Does the experience level of the doctor performing the biopsy affect the risk of bleeding?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about liver biopsy is to make sure to inform them of any health conditions or medications they are taking that could affect blood clotting. It is important for the patient to follow any pre-biopsy instructions given by their healthcare provider to minimize the risk of bleeding. Additionally, it is important for the patient to inform their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms after the biopsy, such as severe pain, dizziness, or signs of bleeding. Following these tips can help ensure a safe and successful liver biopsy procedure.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended liver biopsy include those with suspected liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer. Patients with abnormal liver function tests, unexplained jaundice, or an enlarged liver may also be advised to undergo a liver biopsy for further evaluation. Additionally, individuals who are undergoing treatment for liver diseases and need to monitor the progress of their condition may also be recommended for a liver biopsy.

Timeline

Before a liver biopsy, a patient will typically undergo blood tests to assess their clotting ability and liver function. They may also have a consultation with their doctor to discuss the procedure and any potential risks. On the day of the biopsy, the patient will be asked to fast and sign a consent form.

During the biopsy, the patient will be positioned on their back or side, and the skin over the liver will be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. The doctor will then use a needle to take a small sample of liver tissue, guided by ultrasound or other imaging techniques.

After the biopsy, the patient will be monitored for a few hours to check for any signs of bleeding or other complications. They may experience some pain or discomfort at the biopsy site, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.

In the days following the biopsy, the patient may experience some bruising or soreness at the biopsy site. They will be advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a few days to reduce the risk of bleeding.

Overall, liver biopsy is a common and relatively safe procedure for diagnosing liver diseases, with a low risk of serious bleeding complications. Patients should follow their doctor’s instructions carefully to minimize any potential risks.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What is the purpose of the liver biopsy and what information will it provide?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications of a liver biopsy, including the risk of bleeding?
  3. What factors may increase my risk of bleeding during or after the procedure?
  4. How experienced is the doctor who will be performing the liver biopsy?
  5. Will the procedure be guided by ultrasound or another imaging technique to reduce the risk of bleeding?
  6. What can I expect during the recovery period after the liver biopsy, and what symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a complication such as bleeding?
  7. How will the biopsy results be communicated to me, and what further steps will be taken based on those results?
  8. Are there any alternative diagnostic tests or procedures that could be considered instead of a liver biopsy?
  9. Are there any specific instructions I need to follow before or after the liver biopsy to minimize the risk of bleeding?
  10. What should I do if I experience any concerning symptoms after the liver biopsy, such as severe pain or signs of bleeding?

Reference

Authors: Midia M, Odedra D, Shuster A, Midia R, Muir J. Journal: Diagn Interv Radiol. 2019 Jan;25(1):71-80. doi: 10.5152/dir.2018.17525. PMID: 30644369