Question 1

why do doctors prefer fibrospect to liver biopsy for detection of liver damage in hcv patients?

Accepted Answer

Less risky.: Due to sampling error and the relative risk of biopsy, PROMETHEUS FIBROSpect II testing is useful for initial patient evaluation and when biopsy is contraindicated or refused.  The short answer is it is less risky, but a liver biopsy may still be needed, it is just an alternative, different doctors have different preferences.

Question 2

can plasma have to be available for a patient with low platelets during a liver biopsy?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: Plasma would be used to correct a clotting factor problem, which could occur in severe liver disease. If the concern is low platelets then one would support with platelet transfusion and plasma does not contain platelets.

Question 3

will i be awake for my liver biopsy?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: It depends on multiple factors.

Question 4

how is a liver biopsy performed and how long is this procedure?

Accepted Answer

It is quick: Liver biopsy is a commonly done procedure. It is done with a needly which is inseted thru the skin on your right lower chest on the side, between the ribs. Skin is numbed with Lidocaine and you hold your breat for a few seconds and the procedure is quickly over.

Question 5

i have a polyp of 1.4mm on my gallbladder will i definately have to have my gallbladder removed? the doctor will perform a liver biopsy first, why?

Accepted Answer

Diminutive polyp: Greater than 1 cm ought to come out for concerns of malignancy but 1.4 mm doesn't need to be addressed unless there are symptoms consistent with cholecystitis  or biliary colic.  If your liver function tests are elevated and your blood has been tested and a cause hasn't been found then a liver biopsy may be needed.

Question 6

does a liver biopsy hurt? my doctor says ill be awake, but im a real wimp about pain. how bad is it going to hurt?

Accepted Answer

It : It shouldn't be too bad.

Liver biopsies are usually done with conscious sedation, which should be more than adequate to control any discomfort  (see my health guide about conscious sedation on this site).  You'll feel a little poke and some brief burning when the local anesthetic is injected, but not much after that.

Question 7

i had a liver biopsy and was advised not ot do any heavy lifting however was forced to at work. i now have stomach problems i had a liver biopsy and was advised not to perform any heavy lifting for a week. however  my supervisor at work did not adhere to

Accepted Answer

If : If your stomach problems did not begin until months after the heavy lifting, then no, your symptoms are not a result of this. You were advised to not lift immediately after the procedure because heavy lifting increases the pressure in your abdomen and increases the risk of bleeding from the biopsy site. This would result in pain in your right upper abdomen below the rib cage, or in the side or back. If you had caused any damage from your lifting, you would have had these symptoms within 24 hours. Also, if your nexxium is helping the symptoms this is further proof the problem is not your liver. If you haven't already done so, discuss these symptoms with your primary care doctor.

Question 8

do i have to be awake for my liver biopsy? i know they want you to hold your breath when the doctor sticks in the needle, but is that really necessary? im afraid ill move or have a panic attack just as he sticks in the needle.

Accepted Answer

General : General anesthesia is not needed for a liver biopsy. Your doctor will most likely give you an intravenous medication to relieve your anxiety, so a panic attack is not very likely.

Please take a look at the health guide i posted on this site regarding conscious sedation, which is the safer and more appropriate alternative to general anesthesia for procedures like liver biopsy.

Question 9

can i say no to liver biopsy for meds?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy: An adult, competent person is free to undergo any test or treatment or not do that. Patient autonomy is part of the medical ethics. However, i strongly urge that you discuss the matter with your doctor rather just declining her/his advice.

Question 10

how long is recovery from a liver biopsy?

Accepted Answer

Liver biopsy: You rest for approximately four to five hours after the biopsy and then go home. At home, do not lift more than 15 lb for the next 5 days and no aspirin, advil (ibuprofen) or Motrin like drugs for the same period of time.

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Doctor answers about:

Is the patient awake when a liver biopsy is performed

A member asked:

Why do doctors prefer fibrospect to liver biopsy for detection of liver damage in hcv patients?

A member asked:

Can plasma have to be available for a patient with low platelets during a liver biopsy?

A member asked:

Will i be awake for my liver biopsy?

A member asked:

How is a liver biopsy performed and how long is this procedure?

A member asked:

I have a polyp of 1.4mm on my gallbladder will i definately have to have my gallbladder removed? the doctor will perform a liver biopsy first, why?

A member asked:

Does a liver biopsy hurt? my doctor says ill be awake, but im a real wimp about pain. how bad is it going to hurt?

A member asked:

I had a liver biopsy and was advised not ot do any heavy lifting however was forced to at work. i now have stomach problems i had a liver biopsy and was advised not to perform any heavy lifting for a week. however my supervisor at work did not adhere to

A member asked:

Do i have to be awake for my liver biopsy? i know they want you to hold your breath when the doctor sticks in the needle, but is that really necessary? im afraid ill move or have a panic attack just as he sticks in the needle.

A member asked:

Can i say no to liver biopsy for meds?

A member asked:

How long is recovery from a liver biopsy?

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