Liver Biopsy
What is a Liver Biopsy?
A liver biopsy is a diagnostic procedure performed by the physicians of the Gastroenterology Division of Internal Medicine. Occasionally, a liver biopsy is performed by physicians of the Radiology Department. A liver biopsy is done to determine the extent of injury in the liver or the cause of liver injury.
A liver biopsy is the removal, with a needle, of a small sample of liver tissue that can be examined under the microscope. You will lie on your back for the biopsy. A local anesthetic (numbing medicine) will be given at the site of the biopsy before the needle is inserted. Pressure may be felt but pain should be minimal. After the biopsy you may feel pain at the biopsy site or in the right shoulder; if this occurs you will be offered a pain medication in the recovery area.
How do I prepare for my test?
There are some important things you should do to prepare for your biopsy.
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You may have a light or liquid breakfast the morning of the biopsy.
- If you take oral diabetes medications (pills): Do not take the medication the morning of your test. Bring your diabetes medication with you. Please refer to the handout, "Instructions for Patients with Diabetes Having Outpatient Procedures/Tests"
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If you have diabetes and take insulin, you should request an early morning appointment. Take only one-half of your usual dose of NPH, Lente or Novolin 70/30 insulin and no regular insulin the morning of your test. If you also take insulin the evening before your test, take one-half of your usual dose of NPH, Lente or Novolin 70/30 insulin and no regular insulin (you may have only clear liquids for lunch and dinner the day of your liver biopsy). Please review the handout, "Instructions for Patients with Diabetes Having Outpatient Procedures/Tests."
Day of test insulin dose:______________________
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You should also inform the nurse at the time of scheduling if you are taking anti-arthritic medicine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin or blood thinner medicine. If a physician ordered any of these drugs, be sure to contact the doctor that ordered the drug before stopping the medication. Within one week of your test do not take aspirin or NSAIDs as they can increase bleeding. A few commonly known products you should avoid include:
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Aspirin
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Advil
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Aleve
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Anaprox
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Anacin
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Ascriptin
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Bufferin
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Ecotrin
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Excedrin
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Ibuprofen
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Motrin
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Naprosyn
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Nuprin.
The day of the Procedure
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Your procedure is scheduled for
Date:________________Time:________________
Place________________
If you are unable to keep your appointment, please call the Medical Procedures Unit at 734-936-9250 # 2 as soon as possible.
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When you get to the U-M Medical Center, go to the Medical Procedures Unit, University Hospital Level 2, room 2B.
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Preparation for the biopsy takes 10 minutes. The biopsy itself will take only 5 seconds although you will be in the procedure room for about 20 minutes. Patients do not receive sedation for liver biopsies. Patients need to have a driver even though the patient is not sedated. Your skin will be numbed with a local anesthetic. You will stay in the recovery room for 2 – 4 hours after your biopsy so that you can be observed for any bleeding or pain.
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You may have a light or liquid breakfast the morning of your test. You should take your heart and blood pressure medications before leaving home.
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Please bring the following when you come for your liver biopsy:
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a list of all medications you are taking
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a list of your allergies
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health Insurance Cards
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the patient’s blue, University of Michigan Hospital card if you have one
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a responsible adult (18 years old or older) to stay with you during your visit. The procedure will be started when your adult driver is present. You may not drive for at least 12 hours. You will not be discharged from the hospital until your driver is present to pick you up.
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You may wish to bring reading materials or music with a head set.
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Please leave jewelry and valuables at home.
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Small children will be more comfortable at home.
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You must have a responsible adult driver with you when you arrive in the MPU. The driver needs to be present before the procedure starts. No activity is permitted the same day as the biopsy.
After the Procedure:
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You may resume normal activity, including travel and flying in seven (7) days.
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You should not lift anything heavier than ten (10) pounds for seven (7) days.
Our goal in the Gastroenterology Division is to provide high-quality medical care to patients. If you have additional questions, or if you would like to reschedule an appointment, please call us at 734-936-9250 option 1 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Updated June 2007, Fran Shultz, Medical Procedures Unit
U-M Health System Related Sites:
University of Michigan
Comprehensive Cancer Center
Department of Internal Medicine
Division of Gastroenterology
