Liver biopsy

Need to know

• What happens icon plus

  Local anaesthetic is injected into skin and tissue over a part of your liver. A special hollow needle is pushed through the skin into your liver, and is quickly pushed in and out. The needle brings with it a small sample of liver tissue as it comes out.

  If you are at risk of bleeding, a different method is used. A catheter (a very thin, hollow tube) is inserted into a vein in your neck or groin, after local anaesthetic, and guided to the veins in your liver. A small needle at the catheter's tip makes a tiny hole in the vein and collects a sample of liver tissue retained in the catheter.

  You may feel only mild pressure as the needle is pushed.

• How to prepare icon plus

  You will usually be asked to have a blood test done shortly before the biopsy, to check how well your blood will clot. This is a precautionary measure to ensure that you are not likely to bleed following the biopsy.

  You may also be advised not to take any medicines that could affect blood clotting, such as aspirin and blood thinning medication, for one week before the biopsy.

  Other medication that you have been prescribed should be taken as per normal before the biopsy. However, your consultant will discuss this with you prior to the procedure.

• Afterwards icon plus

  You will need to lie on your side on a bed and be monitored for several hours to ensure that you have no bleeding. If the biopsy was done in the morning, you may be able to go home later in the day. Otherwise, you may need to remain overnight at the hospital.

  Complications from biopsies are uncommon. Pain, if any, is managed with painkillers. Avoid contact sports like rugby for a certain time in order to allow your liver to heal properly.

  Please seek medical advice if:

  • Bleeding occurs from the biopsy site
  • The biopsy site becomes red or swollen
  • You develop a fever
  • The biopsy site is still painful three days later and painkillers don't help.