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May 18, 2013
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Liver Biopsy (cont.)

Medical Author:
David C. Wolf, M.D., FACP, FACG, AGAF
Medical Editor:
Jay W. Marks, MD
Jay W. Marks, MD
Jay W. Marks, MD

Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

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Questions That Need to Answered Prior to Liver Biopsy

  1. Why do I need a liver biopsy?
  2. What are the procedure's:
  • Reason for being done?
  • Benefits?
  • Risks?
  • Alternatives?
  • What are the consequences of not undergoing a liver biopsy?
  1. What approach will be used to perform my liver biopsy: percutaneous, transjugular, intraoperative?
  • Will the biopsy be performed using ultrasound or CT scan guidance? (Such guidance is not always necessary.)
  1. When should I stop eating and drinking prior to my procedure?
  2. If I am using blood thinning medications, when do they need to be stopped prior to the procedure?
  3. Should I take my other medicines the morning of the biopsy?
  4. If I have diabetes, what should I do with the dosing of my diabetes medications?
  5. Will I receive sedation or other medications during my procedure?
  6. How long will I have to stay in the hospital after the procedure?
  7. Do I need someone to come with me or pick me up after the procedure?
  • Usually, patients are not allowed to drive an automobile the day that sedative medications are administered. Patients who are anticipated to receive sedative medications need to arrange for transportation home.
  1. Will my activities be restricted following the liver biopsy? If so, for how long?
  2. How soon after the procedure can I return to work?
  3. If medications (for example, blood thinners) were stopped before the procedure, when can they be restarted?
  4. What symptoms do I watch out for after the biopsy?
  5. What should prompt me to call the doctor's office or come to emergency room?
  6. When should I return for follow-up?

Must Read Articles Related to Liver Biopsy

Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis Cirrhosis is a chronic (ongoing, long-term) disease of the liver. It means damage to the normal liver tissue that keeps this important organ from working as it ...learn more >>
Fatty Liver
Fatty Liver Disease Fatty liver disease (NASH, NAFLD, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic related steatohepatitis) is a disease where by there is an increased accumul...learn more >>
Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis (Iron Overload) Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH, iron overload) is a genetic disorder in which excess iron is retained in the body. Hemochromatosis may affect several organs in ...learn more >>
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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Percutaneous Liver Biopsy »

Percutaneous liver biopsy is a procedure in which a long needle is introduced through the skin, subcutaneous tissues, intercostal muscles, and peritoneum into the liver to obtain a specimen of liver tissue.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


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