Patient Information About Liver Biopsy

Eating before liver biopsy — You should have nothing to eat or drink for six hours before the procedure. You may be allowed to have a light breakfast only, such as black tea or coffee and toast. Some doctors recommend eating a small amount of fat (such as butter or margarine) with breakfast, which will empty the gallbladder and potentially decrease the risk of gallbladder injury during the biopsy.

LIVER BIOPSY PROCEDURE — Most liver biopsies are done in a hospital. Upon arrival for the biopsy (usually in the early morning), a doctor or nurse will review your medical history, including medications and allergies. You may have an IV line placed into a vein so that fluid and medicine can be given if needed.

You may be given medicines to minimize discomfort and anxiety. Because your cooperation is needed during a liver biopsy, you will not be put to sleep. The biopsy itself only takes a few seconds as the biopsy needle is passed quickly in and out of the liver. A small bandage will be applied to the biopsy site; stitches are not needed.

LIVER BIOPSY COMPLICATIONS — A liver biopsy is a very safe procedure when performed by an experienced doctor. The most common problems include mild pain and a minor decrease in blood pressure. More serious complications, such as bleeding, infection, and injury to nearby organs, are very rare.

Source:

• Sanjiv Chopra, MD 
• Section Editor
• Marshall M Kaplan, MD
• Deputy Editor
• Anne C Travis, MD, MSc, FACG