What is a liver biopsy?
A liver biopsy is an examination practiced to diagnose liver ailments. Tissue specimens are extracted from the liver and examined under a microscope for signs of damage or disease. With the help of liver biopsy, one can tell if there are cancer cells or other abnormal cells in the liver. It can also tell how well the liver is serving. Types of Liver Biopsy There are 3 types of liver biopsies. Percutaneous liver biopsy is t he most well-known method. You are given a local anesthetic and a small needle is put into the liver to take a sample. The second type is a Laparoscopic liver biopsy wherein you are given a general anesthetic. Next, a thin lighted tube (laparoscope) is put into the skin into a tiny cut or incision. The tube has a tiny video camera attached by which the physician can see the interior of the belly on a computer screen. With the help of a needle, it is put through a different tube to remove the sample . Transvenous liver biopsy is a method whic