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Transjugular Liver Biopsy



 Submitted by Nic on August 1, 2011
In today’s world, due to eating habits and a hectic lifestyle, there are many people who suffer from various liver disease and problems. In case a diagnosis of a liver disease needs to be carried out, a person may be required to undergo a series of test to identify the severity of the condition as well as the causes. The most common way of obtaining a sample for testing purposes is the percutaneous liver biopsy, where a special needle is passed through the skin of the abdomen. This needle obtains a small part of the liver which is sent to the lab for an analysis. However, there could be bleeding problems associated with this procedure, which is why many doctors advise patients to go in for a transjugular liver biopsy instead.

What is a transjugular liver biopsy?

A transjugular liver biopsy is an alternate way of obtaining liver specimens, which can be sent to the lab for analysis. It is also commonly referred to, as the transvenous biopsy. During the transjugular liver biopsy procedure, a small tube is inserted into the jugular vein, which is in the neck; x rays are then required, to guide the tube to the main vein in the liver. In this method, a small “biopsy needle” is inserted through the tube and in the liver, so that samples of tissues can be obtained. One of the main advantages of the transjugular liver biopsy technique is that if there is any bleeding from the site, it will cause the blood to go directly into the vein, instead of the bloodstream, which minimizes the risks of blood loss. Therefore, this technique is more beneficial for those who have problems with blood clotting.

Transjugular liver biopsy complications

Like all other medical procedures, there is a slight risk of complications associated with the transjugular liver biopsy too. It is not uncommon for patients to experience some amount of pain after the biopsy, which could go on for a while. Other possible transjugular liver biopsy complications could include puncture of the colon, lungs or kidneys. In case the gallbladder gets punctured, it could cause the bile to leak into the abdominal cavity, leading to peritonitis. The risk of bleeding from the site of the needle entering the liver is quite low. Fortunately, the chances of death because of a transjugular liver biopsy are even lower. However, several health experts regard the transjugular liver biopsy as an inferior process, only to be considered when the percutaneous liver biopsy cannot be carried out.

There is a lot of information available on this procedure, transjugular liver biopsy indications and the Transjugular Liver Biopsy CPT Code, through various online resources. However, people who may need to undergo the transjugular liver biopsy are advised to set an appointment with their health caregivers and put any questions forth at that time.
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