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BackTable / VI / Article
Liver Biopsy
Dr. Chris Beck • Updated Sep 16, 2021 • 621 hits
A percutaneous liver biopsy procedure is generally divided into two types: targeted and non-targeted. With both procedures, a sample of liver tissue is used to evaluate either underlying liver disease (non-targeted or random biopsy) or to pathologically evaluate a liver lesion (targeted biopsy). A percutaneous liver biopsy procedure is straightforward that can be accomplished with ultrasound and/or CT guidance. Understanding the indications for a liver biopsy, contraindications, and risks of the procedure will help select and plan for the appropriate procedure and approach.
Table of Contents
(1) Liver Biopsy Pre-Procedure Prep
(2) Liver Biopsy Procedure Steps
(3) Post-Procedure
Liver Biopsy Pre-Procedure Prep
Liver Biopsy Indications
• Elevated Liver Function tests (unknown etiology)
• Hepatitis C
• Progressive diffuse liver disease
• Liver mass concerning for malignancy
• Liver Transplantation workup
Liver Biopsy Contraindications
• Uncooperative patient
• Uncorrectable coagulopathy
• Suspected hemangioma on imaging
Pre-Procedure Evaluation
• Hold any anticoagulation (See SIR anticoagulation guidelines for specific medications)
• Withhold solid foods for 6 hours for moderate sedation.
• Informed consent
• Labs: Platelets, PT/PTT, INR, Cr, BUN.
• Choose imaging modality CT vs US (US is the most common and efficient for native liver biopsies)
• Review any prior imaging
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Liver Biopsy Procedure Steps
Liver Biopsy Position
• A supine position of the patient is most commonly used.
• Preliminary imaging will help avoid local structures including large vessels (IVC, portal vein), gallbladder, pleural space and lung, and colon.
Imaging Guidance
• Ultrasound guided liver biopsy vs CT guided liver biopsy depending on body habitus, available equipment, and lesion vs non focal biopsy.
Sedation
• Moderate sedation most commonly used. General anesthesia if patient cannot hold still.
Liver Biopsy Procedure
• IV access (18 g preferred)
• Position the patient supine and localize the safest route by imaging
• For lesions- measure the lesion depth from skin surface and choose needle length
• Detect unexpected anatomical barriers like cysts
• Make a skin mark to identify where the percutaneous insertion site will be.
• Prep the site of the skin mark and anesthetize the subcutaneous tissues using 1% local
• Administer Lidocaine down to the liver capsule
• Under imaging guidance, carefully place the tip of the 17 g coaxial needle into the periphery of the liver (usually right hepatic lobe) and verify positioning by imaging. Once in position, pass the 18 g biopsy needle through the coaxial needle to obtain samples.
• 2-3 core biopsy samples are recommended.
• Depending on patient factors, option to administer gelfoam as trocar needle is withdrawn.
• Follow up imaging with US or CT to confirm no immediate bleeding.
Post-Procedure
Liver Biopsy Aftercare
• Some operators recommend pressure over biopsy site for 1 hour. For the position after a liver biopsy, the patient can lay on their right side over a rolled up towel.
• Close observation of vital signs and symptoms of bleeding for 3-4 hours is absolutely necessary.
• Vital signs should be monitored every 15 minutes for 2 hours, every 30 min for 2 hours, then every hour for 2 hours post procedure.
• If there is worsening pain over the region, re-image with CT or ultrasound and check CBC.
• If bleeding rapidly, blood transfusion and transcatheter embolization may be necessary.
Liver Biopsy Complications
• Perihepatic and subcapsular hematoma
• Arteriovenous fistula or hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm
Additional resources:
[1] Kandarpa, Krishna et al. Handbook of Interventional Radiologic Procedures 2011 p 522
[2] Rogers, Peter et al. Pocket Radiologist: Interventional Top 100 Procedures 2003 p 307-309
Podcast Contributors
Cite This Podcast
BackTable, LLC (Producer). (2025, January 7). Ep. 506 – Transfemoral Liver Biopsy: A Novel Approach [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.backtable.com
Disclaimer: The Materials available on BackTable.com are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.
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