Liver Biopsy

[craftylearner]

Hi everyone. I have to have a liver biopsy next week - I am told it will determine which type of liver disease I have.

The consultant told me 6 months ago that he thought I had cirrhosis, I have not seen that consultant since but Ultrasound scan and 2 fibroscans have followed and I am now being told it is NAFLD. They said there are 2 types of NAFLD and one with hepatitis they can help with medication, but I have to have a biopsy for them to determine which type I have,

At first, I declined to have the biopsy but now that it has been explained a bit better, I think I maybe ought to have it so that I can hopefully get some answers.

But the nearer the biopsy gets, the more scared I am ( of the process) and wonder if anyone has any experience of this to share?

[Aztec632]

Hi, try not to worry about the biopsy. I have the worst health anxiety going and I got through it fine. I was your age when I had mine done. Its quick and virtually painless. There is a bit of a sting when they put the anaesthetic in that's it. The actual biopsy is over within seconds. . The worst bit is having to stay still on the bed for a few hours afterwards. Take a book or some magazines to keep you occupied. The nurses check your blood pressure over this period of time. It will give you answers. My biopsy confirmed AIH. (autoimmune hepatitis). The biopsy will lead you to the right course of treatment 🙂

[craftylearner in reply to Aztec632]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I am reassured by that - they have warned me that I will be lying down for 4 hours to be monitored so I was wondering if I could read. Thanks again, be glad when it's done now.

[Aztec632 in reply to craftylearner]

The only problem I had was that they ran out of pillows and I had to suffer a rolled up blanket under my neck for 4 hours!! Meanwhile I was looking across at patients who had 2 pillows and looked really comfortable. I went home with neck ache 🙈 wishing you all the best x

[Fibro2021]

Hi, I would advise that they apply for your histological specimens also staining for reticulin fibers (reticulin stain). This helps to diagnose liver disease such as nodular regenerative hyperplasia by biopsy. When this was done for my histological slides, the correct diagnosis became clear. I have no doubt that they know what to do without my advice, but it's better to clarify this issue as this may help in the correct interpretation of your biopsy if they have already decided to do it.

[craftylearner in reply to Fibro2021]

Thank you - I've made a note of that.

[Ubwa]

The worst part of it for me ironically was the local anaesthetic. The biopsy itself is a non-event after that. I would probably have said the worst part was the having to lie down for how ever many hours I was told too(may or may not have listened), but as I was an inpatient its not like i had anything else to do...

[craftylearner in reply to Ubwa]

They have told me I have to stay and lie down for 4 hours to be monitored. I think it's maybe the needle and therefore the anaesthetic I'm afraid of.

[GarryS]

I've had two liver biopsies. Both were fine in that they were not painful. You feel a sting from the local given and pressure as the biopsy is taken. Nothing to worry about.

[Ambrosian]

I'd always thought it sounded a horrible procedure but it was almost totally painless (just the mild needle prick you get with a vaccination) and much less unpleasant than many other procedures I've had. I was also lucky that the doctor who did it was excellent and talked me through every stage of it. Hope this reassures you and good luck!

[craftylearner in reply to Ambrosian]

Thank you. I have been reassured by the replies from people who have been through it. It's like everything I guess, fear of the unknown. Thank you.

[bantam12]

For me it wasn’t straight forward and I had problems immediately after and longer term, obviously for most people it’s an easy procedure and well worth doing but personally I would never have one again.

[craftylearner in reply to bantam12]

Sorry to hear that. That's the problem isn't it, something can always go wrong with any procedure.

[Yellowsydney]

Hi, please don't worry about having a biopsy, they really are quick and painless. I've had 2 one through my side and one through my neck (transjugular), both were fine, had to have bed rest for 12 hours afterwards to prevent bleeding, I had a very low platelet level.Good luck

Hilary

[craftylearner in reply to Yellowsydney]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[Kristian]

I've had two liver biopsies and both were pretty uneventful for me. Its relatively quick procedure. Of course there are risks but these are quite small in the grand scheme of things. Its just a day procedure too. You will be in and out on the day, even with having to lie down for 4 hours afterwards. So, bit of advice, go to the toilet beforehand 😄.When you get back to the ward after the procedure they'll usually offer some paracetamol for pain relief. You'll not feel much pain, particularly straight after, but as the anaesthetic wheres off you can get a bit of a dull ache in your shoulder. So take the paracetamol even if you don't feel you need it.

Hope thats helpful.

[craftylearner in reply to Kristian]

It is, thank you. I appreciate any advice from anyone who's been there. I personally always feel better armed with some knowledge.

[RedPoppy2]

Hi, It's natural to worry about the biopsy (I did too), but please try not to. As other people have said, the actual biopsy is quick and painless (and I felt no pain afterwards either) and the worst part is having to lie on your side for 4 hours afterwards. I'm not sure if it's standard procedure, but during my biopsy a nurse held my hand and talked to me constantly, so I was focused on her, rather than what was happening - a short sting with the anaesthetic, a pulling sensation and then it was over. You'll be monitored very closely afterwards - I had a drop in blood pressure, but it was picked up straightaway and quickly righted itself - and they regularly checked that I wasn't in any pain. My worst problem was needing to pee and not being allowed to get up, so, if you have a weak bladder, I would say make sure you go to the loo just before! The biopsy will hopefully give you a clear picture of what is going on. I had had a Fibroscan earlier in the year, which showed Stage 3 fibrosis, but the biopsy showed no fibrosis (not sure if this is because the Fibroscan isn't always accurate/I've reversed any damage through a change in diet/the sample simply didn't show it - I've not yet seen my consultant), but it did pick up on another potential problem which is causing my liver damage, so I'm glad I went ahead with mine. I hope all with goes well with you and you will get a "good" diagnosis. Best wishes x

[craftylearner in reply to RedPoppy2]

Thank you. I appreciate any advice from anyone who's been through it. My 2 fibroscans were not conclusive and neither was the ultrasound so I have to do it if I want to know what's going on.

[mozlaw]

ask them beforehand how long you might have to stay .i had one and didnt have to stay around at all.that was at the qe birmingham

[craftylearner in reply to mozlaw]

Thank you - they've told me I will be monitored and have to stay in bed for 4 hours after.

[teletonetapper]

Hi. As the moajority of other members have posted, my biopsy too was not painful at all. The staff monitored me afterwards by taking my blood pressure and I also had to lie on my back for at least 4 hours before being allowed to go home. I will mention that I wasn't told to go to the toilet before my procedure to empty my bladder and afterwards I had to use a bed pan due to not being allowed to get up. Perhaps it may be worth asking about this. Please don't worry - it will be worth it to get more information regarding your liver. Take care.