Liver disease is not uncommon. The Centers for Disease Control say that at least 30 million people, or one person in every 10, in the United States suffers from some form of liver disease. A liver biopsy is one of the best ways for your doctor at our Ocean Parkway or Cobble Hill office in Brooklyn, NY to learn more about the health of your liver. The procedure can provide information about the function of your liver as well as determine if the tissues themselves are healthy.
What Is a Liver Biopsy?
A liver biopsy procedure involves the removal of a small portion of the liver tissue. This tissue is then examined to determine the health and condition of it. Your Brooklyn doctor may recommend a biopsy like this if other tests, including imaging and blood tests, show signs of abnormalities. The most common form of biopsy is the percutaneous biopsy. This method uses a fine, smaller needle that is placed through the abdomen into the liver. It removes the tissue in a minimally invasive manner. Other methods exist as well including a laparoscopic procedure, which uses small incisions and a transjugular procedure that uses a needle inserted into the vein on the neck.
Why Is a Liver Biopsy Necessary?
A liver biopsy is necessary when there is any indication of malfunctioning or illness present within it. This may be due to a number of concerns such as:
- An abnormality was discovered in imaging
- A liver problem exists but is otherwise undiagnosed
- Liver disease is present; allowing for severity to be determined
- To develop a treatment plan for those suffering from a liver condition
- Monitor function and success after a liver transplant
- Determine the cause of liver disease
- Abnormal test results from blood work
- A mass of some type is found on or in the liver
- Unexplained fevers
Your doctor in Brooklyn can use the results from this test to provide a clear picture of what may be happening within the liver. This test can lead to the diagnosis of conditions such as:
- Fatty liver disease
- Chronic hepatitis B or C
- Wilson’s disease
- Primary biliary cirrhosis
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Hemochromatosis
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
What Does a Liver Biopsy Involve?
The procedure used can differ depending on the goal of a liver biopsy. The most common form of biopsy is usually conducted in a Brooklyn doctor’s office, hospital, or outpatient center. You’ll arrive early and have an IV placed for sedation. During the procedure, the doctor will locate the liver, sometimes with the aid of an ultrasound. Then, a fine needle is inserted into the liver through an incision made near the base of your rib cage. If you are awake during the procedure, you’ll be asked to hold your breath.
Other types of procedures are available as well. When you meet with your Brooklyn liver biopsy doctor after the procedure, he or she will inform you of any information immediately available. However, tests can take some time and results may not be immediately available. This procedure is a diagnostic tool that’s minimally invasive yet highly effective.
Frequently Asked Questions About Liver Biopsy
Are there different kinds of liver biopsies?
Yes. There are several types of liver biopsies. The most common is a percutaneous biopsy, where a small needle is inserted through the skin to collect a tissue sample. The doctor uses an ultrasound, MRI, or CT imaging to help determine the best spot to place the needle. Other types include transjugular biopsy, done through a vein in the neck, and laparoscopic biopsy, which involves making a small incision in the abdomen.
How long does a liver biopsy take?
The biopsy itself usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes, with complex procedures taking up to 45-90 minutes. The duration of stay in our office could extend up to a few hours to allow time for preparation and a recovery period for observation after the procedure.
Is the procedure painful?
The combination of sedation and local anesthetics makes the procedure comfortable. Severe pain is unusual. You may feel pressure or brief discomfort during the biopsy, but not pain. Mild soreness afterward is common but is usually mild and short-lived. If you experience severe pain after a biopsy, we’ll administer a thorough exam with a FibroScan to ensure we aren’t missing anything.
What does a liver biopsy reveal?
A liver biopsy provides detailed information about liver health. It can show the level of inflammation, scarring, or fat in the liver. It also helps diagnose the onset or severity of multiple conditions such as cancer, hepatitis, hemangioma, focal nodular hyperplasia, cysts, fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis. Liver biopsies also guide and monitor treatment progress for patients with liver disease.
How long do you have to stay in the hospital after a liver biopsy?
Most liver biopsies are performed as an outpatient procedure, and patients can go home the same day. We will keep an eye on you for several hours to ensure there is no bleeding or other issues. Most patients don’t find this a problem, as they usually feel drowsy from sedation.
How soon will I receive the results of my liver biopsy?
Results are usually available within one to two weeks. A pathologist examines the tissue sample, and your gastroenterologist will review the findings and interpret them for you.
Should I expect complications?
Complications are uncommon. The most common issue is mild pain at the biopsy site. However, it lasts a few days and can easily be managed with over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen. Although rare, bleeding can occur. However, we take every precaution to mitigate this risk. We’ll obtain bloodwork before the procedure to ensure you don’t have blood disorders that affect clotting. Infection is another risk, but it’s also very uncommon.
How much does a liver biopsy cost in the Brooklyn area?
The cost of a liver biopsy varies depending on the type of biopsy and insurance coverage. Our office will provide a cost breakdown during consultation. We are upfront about pricing to avoid unpleasant surprises down the line.
Does insurance cover liver biopsies?
If your liver biopsy is deemed medically necessary, your insurance will likely cover it. Our team will verify the scope of your policy and outline its benefits before treatment begins. Don’t have insurance? Self-pay and financing options are available to make your treatment manageable.
Who offers liver biopsy near me in Brooklyn, NY?
A liver biopsy is an essential step in understanding your liver health and ensuring you receive a precise diagnosis and treatment. Atlantic Gastroenterology is excited to offer safe and comfortable liver biopsies in Brooklyn, New York, and Coral Springs, Florida. Call 718 521-2840 and set up your consultation today!