Percutaneous Liver Biopsy November 2017

Percutaneous liver biopsy
Information for patients from the Radiology Department
This information tells you about the procedure percutaneous liver biopsy. It explains what happens
and the possible risks. We hope you find this leaflet helpful but you should still discuss the
procedure with your doctor.
Liver biopsy is usually planned well in advance and you should have opportunity to discuss the
reason for doing it and any worries you have either with one of your own doctors or the person
performing the biopsy.
Do make sure you understand what is involved before you sign the consent form and remember
that you can change your mind about having the biopsy at any time.
What is percutaneous liver biopsy?

Percutaneous means ‘through the skin’. A biopsy is the method of taking a small piece of tissue
out of the body through a small puncture site. A special needle is used to do this. The needle is put
in through the skin, over the liver on the right side of your upper abdomen.
Why do I need a liver biopsy?

Investigations have shown an abnormality in your liver but it is not always possible to determine
the cause or degree of these abnormalities on scans alone. The simplest way to make a diagnosis
is to examine a sample of liver tissue under the microscope.
Who has made this decision?

The consultant in charge of your case and the radiologist performing the biopsy will have
discussed your case and feel this is the best way of making the diagnosis and planning your
treatment. Your opinion will be taken into account and if, after talking to your doctors, you do not
wish to have the procedure carried out, then you can decide against it.
Who will be performing the biopsy?

A specially trained doctor called a radiologist who uses x-ray and scanning equipment to place the
biopsy needle accurately into the liver, will perform the biopsy.
1 Percutaneous liver biopsy (November 2017)

Where will the biopsy take place?
Generally the procedure takes place in the x-ray department in one of the scan rooms. The x-ray
staff will try to make you as comfortable as possible.
What do I need to do beforehand?

Before your biopsy you will have blood tests done to make sure your blood clots properly. Be sure
to mention any medicines you take, especially those that affect blood clotting like aspirin or blood
thinners.
You will probably be asked not to eat or drink anything for a few hours before the biopsy. Your
doctor will tell you whether to take your regular medications during the fasting period and may give
you other special instructions.
What happens during liver biopsy?

In the scan room you will be asked to lie on your back on a hospital bed with your right hand
above your head. After scanning your liver to determine the best site for the biopsy the radiologist
will clean the skin with antiseptic to avoid infection. The skin and deeper tissues will be injected
with local anaesthetic; this will sting briefly before the tissues go numb. The radiologist will make a
small cut, then insert the biopsy needle to take a sample of liver tissue. Ultrasound may be used to
guide the needle into the exact position for biopsy.
In some cases when there is an increased risk of bleeding the radiologist may place a small metal
coil which looks like a spring into the needle puncture site. This causes blood to clot around it
stopping any bleeding.
How long will it take?

The whole procedure takes between 15 and 20 minutes as positioning the biopsy can take a little
time. The biopsy itself however takes only a matter of a few seconds.
Will it hurt?
You will feel stinging as the local anaesthetic is given and then pressure on the skin as the biopsy
needle is placed. Some people also feel some momentary discomfort as the needle enters the
liver. You may feel discomfort after the biopsy has been taken either in your right shoulder or in the
stomach. This is common and you will be offered painkillers to relieve this discomfort; do let the
nursing staff know if it does not go away.
What happens afterwards?

After the biopsy has been taken you will be asked to remain lying flat for several hours and
the nursing staff will take your pulse and blood pressure regularly. All being well, you will be
allowed home either on the same day or the next morning. Do not expect to get the result of the
biopsy before you leave as it always takes a few days to do all the necessary tests on the biopsy
specimen.

What are the risks and complications?
Percutaneous liver biopsy is in general a very safe procedure but some risks and complications
can still arise. The most usual complication is pain after the procedure, as described above, which
may take several hours to settle.
Bleeding is usually minimal and of short duration but instances of more serious bleeding do occur
and this may lead to development of a large bruise either in or around the liver or a leakage of
blood into the abdomen or gut. If the bleeding is serious then a further radiological procedure or an
operation may be needed.
Is there any alternative test?

There is no radiological alternative.
Finally...
Hopefully some of your questions should have been answered by this leaflet, but remember
that this is only a starting point for discussion about your treatment with the doctors looking after
you. Make sure you are satisfied that you have received enough information about the
procedure before you sign the consent form.
Percutaneous biopsy is a very safe procedure, designed to save you having a larger operation.
There are some slight risks and possible complications involved, but these are generally minor
and do not happen very often.
Where can I get more information?

• The Royal College of Radiologists www.rcr.ac.uk
• The Royal College of Radiologists: Virtual departments www.goingfora.org
• British Society of Interventional Radiology www.bsir.org
References
This leaflet is produced with grateful acknowledgement to the Patients’ Liaison Group of the Royal
College of Radiologists.
This leaflet has been produced with and for patients
If you would like this information in another language, audio, Braille, Easy
Read, or large print please ask a member of staff.
Any complaints, comments, concerns, or compliments please speak to your doctor or

nurse, or contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 01227 783145 or 01227
864314, or email ekh-tr.pals@nhs.net
Further patient leaflets are available via the East Kent Hospitals web site www.ekhuft.nhs.uk/
patientinformation
Information produced by the Radiology Department

Date reviewed: November 2017 Next review date: March 2020 Web 064

Percutaneous Liver Biopsy November 2017

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Percutaneous liver biopsy

Information for patients from the Radiology Department

What is percutaneous liver biopsy?

Why do I need a liver biopsy?

Who has made this decision?

Who will be performing the biopsy?

1 Percutaneous liver biopsy (November 2017)

What do I need to do beforehand?

What happens during liver biopsy?

How long will it take?

What happens afterwards?

2 Percutaneous liver biopsy (November 2017)

Is there any alternative test?

Where can I get more information?

This leaflet has been produced with and for patients

Any complaints, comments, concerns, or compliments please speak to your doctor or

Information produced by the Radiology Department

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