“A sample of your body’s cells is removed for examination. It can be used to diagnose various diseases of the liver.”

“There are several types of biopsies. A transjugular liver biopsy is a technique. Transjugular is a procedure that uses the jugular vein in the neck to access the body’s organs. The procedure is ideal for people with certain risk factors.”

In this article, we will discuss when a transjugular liver biopsy is needed, its potential side effects, and how it differs from a conventional liver biopsy.

A standard liver biopsy is known as a percutaneous liver biopsy. In general, it involves a fine needle that’s inserted into the skin on the side of the abdomen. The needle is then inserted into the liver in order to remove a sample of liver tissue.

A transjugular liver biopsy involves a fine needle, but it enters the body through a vein. A fine needle and tube are inserted into the neck jugular vein, which leads to one of the veins in the liver. This allows the removal of the tissue from the jugular vein instead of through the abdomen.

A transjugular liver biopsy has a lower risk of bleeding than a standard one. It may be a safer option for people who have bleeding issues.

This includes people who have.

Your doctor may perform a blood test to check your clotting ability before the transjugular liver biopsy.

If there’s a problem with your blood clotting, you might need a blood transfusion or vitamin K shot. These treatments can help correct blood clotting and minimize the risk of bleeding after the biopsy.

If you’re taking blood-thinning medications, you might need to stop taking them several days before the procedure.

What to expect with the procedure

The doctor will perform the procedure. Here is what will happen during a transjugular liver biopsy.

  1. You will lie down on an X-ray table after changing into a hospital gown.
  2. The radiologist will use an instrument to find your vein.
  3. They will clean the area to reduce the risk of infections.
  4. The doctor will inject a local anesthetic into your neck. This will make you feel less pain.
  5. The needle and tube will be inserted into the vein.
  6. They will use an X-ray to guide the tube into your body. The X-ray will show the tube in your veins.
  7. The device will be inserted into the body. They will remove some of the tissue from this tube.
  8. They might take pictures of your body.
  9. The pressure on your neck will be applied by the radiologist after you remove the tube.

The process takes about an hour.

The recovery period after a transjugular liver biopsy is short. You will rest in a hospital bed for 6 hours after the procedure.

Medical professionals will be able to track your vital signs during this time.

If there are no issues, you can leave that day. It is recommended that you get a ride home after the procedure.

A transjugular liver biopsy can identify signs of disease. This can help your doctor diagnose.

It may be used to evaluate your new organ.

A transjugular liver biopsy can be the same as a percutaneous one. It allows your doctors to measure the pressure in your veins. They can do this while taking the sample.

A transjugular liver biopsy is a safe procedure. There is a risk of some problems.

The main risk is bleeding. Other possible side effects include:

After a transjugular liver biopsy, there’s a 1 to 2% risk of a complication that needs additional treatment.

Major side effects like hemorrhaging in or around the abdominal cavity are very rare.

A transjugular liver biopsy is used to diagnose the condition of the liver. A needle and tube are inserted into your neck during the procedure. The tube will enter your body and the doctor will remove the tissue.

The procedure is less likely to cause bleeding than the standard one. It is recommended for people with a high risk of bleeding due to blood clotting disorders.

“Side effects are rare but possible. If you need a liver biopsy, your doctor can tell you if it’s right for you.”