Question Re: Liver Biopsy - Liver & Pancreas Disorders Message Board

SCgrad · 06-16-2005, 01:16 PM

I am scheduled for a liver biopsy tomorrow and am dreading the test. The thought of a needle being stuck in my liver isn't what I call fun! Can someone who has had a liver biopsy tell me a little about what to expect? And no holding back....I want the good and the bad.

sharri · 06-16-2005, 03:30 PM

Hey, I've never had one done personally but I've seen them done before and my dad recently had a biopsy done as well. Usually the surgeon will deaden the area with a local anesthetic and then use an ultrasound to view the liver then he will make a small incision and insert the needle into the liver. The biopsy they take is very small, about the size of a pencil point. My dad said that it didn't hurt at all, maybe just a little uncomfortable while he was injecting the local anesthetic. Hope everything goes o.k. and try not to be to nervous.

OhioMOM · 06-16-2005, 05:18 PM

i have had three liver biopsies...... it is a fairly simple process. there is a little pain, however, the drugs and a little time(a few hours) make it go away!! if they are going in through the rib area. you will be given valium. they will numb the area. they then pierce the skin, almost like a skin piercing.... you will then be bandaged...(small bandage) and asked to lie on your side for a few hours. i always stay in the hospital overnight, however most people go home immediately! hope that helps.