Liver Biopsy?

[disfan07]

Has anyone here had a liver biopsy before?

I might have to have one (we haven't gotten a definite answer yet) and my doctor was explaining it to me and it sounds very very simple and straightfoward but I was just curious if anyone here has had one before and if it really is as simple as it sounds.

 

[Holly]

I had one about six years ago.

It was a fairly simple procedure. I was awake for it and didn't think it was bad.

Mine ended up being a tumor caused by birth contol pills. Apparently years of extra estrogen causes liver tumors.


Good luck.

 

[NikitaZee]

Has anyone here had a liver biopsy before?

I might have to have one (we haven't gotten a definite answer yet) and my doctor was explaining it to me and it sounds very very simple and straightfoward but I was just curious if anyone here has had one before and if it really is as simple as it sounds.

I have had one. It is pretty straightforward. I remember having bloodwork beforehand to make sure there was enough clotting ability in the blood, or something similar to that - and instructions not to take ibuprofen or any such medication for a week or so beforehand. For the actual biopsy, the doctor and an ultrasound tech worked In conjunction to find the exact spot in the liver to biopsy. When the doctor found the spot, she marked it, then gave me an injection of local anesthetic to numb the area a bit. Then I had to lie on my left side, take a deep breath and hold it. It was very important not to move or breathe at that point. Then the biopsy needle was 'punched' into the spot - I believe it was between 2 ribs, and it only took a few seconds. I was able to lie still and hold my breath. Then you have to lay on your side for 2-3 hours, I think to watch for bleeding. I did have what they called 'referred' pain in my shoulder - it was painful enough that I needed pain meds, I was given percocet for it, which helped a lot. Best news - my liver was fine!! Good luck if you need the biopsy, it was worse in my mind than it actually turned out to be.