Biopsy Liver is a sample of liver tissue, taken to assist in the diagnosis of infection, cirrhosis, tumours and other liver disorders. Liver biopsy is usually performed in hospital, often requiring an overnight stay. Local anaesthetic is injected into the skin between the lower ribs on the right side for insertion of a needle into the liver to obtain the biopsy specimen. There may be a dull pain when the liver is punctured. This procedure takes only about 5 minutes.

A biopsy are most often done to examine tissue for disease. A biopsy may also be done to match organ tissue before a transplant. An endometrial biopsy is sometimes done at the same time as another test, called hysteroscopy, which allows your doctor to look through a small lighted tube at the lining of the uterus. Biopsies are particularly important in the diagnosis of cancer. This procedure will often be performed when there is a lump, tumour, cyst or swelling for which there is no apparent cause. A skin biopsy is helpful to distinguish certain disorders that might affect the small nerve fibers, as may be the case with painful sensory axonal neuropathies. A biopsy helps doctors zero in on the size, type, and kind of breast cancer you may have. Biopsies are performed on any kind of abnormality that your doctor can feel or that looks suspicious. It’s usually a very simple procedure.

How the test will feel?

• There may be a sharp, stinging sensation when the local anesthetic is administered.
• During the procedure, you may feel slight discomfort or light pressure.
• In an open or closed biopsy, local or general anesthesia is generally used to make the procedure pain free.
• If an incision is made, pain medication will probably be prescribed.
• For needle biopsy, over-the-counter pain medication should be adequate.

What the risks are?

Depending on the biopsy procedure, possible complications include:

• Long-lasting pain.
• Skin numbness around the biopsy site.
• Infection.
• Excessive bleeding (haemorrhage).
• Complications related to IV sedation, such as an allergic reaction, nausea or irregular heartbeats.

Why the test is performed?

• A biopsy is the only way to determine if tissue is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

How to prepare for the test?

• Ask your health care provider if you need to stop taking any medications before surgery, particularly those that can make you bleed. Such medications include aspirin, Coumadin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
• Never stop or change your medications without first talking to your health care provider.
• An informed consent form must be signed. If you are going to have general anesthesia, you may be asked to fast for 8 to 12 hours before the test.