Laparoscopic liver biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure used to obtain a small tissue sample from the liver for diagnostic purposes. It is commonly performed when other non-invasive tests, such as blood tests and imaging, do not provide conclusive results.
This procedure is recommended for patients with:
Unexplained liver abnormalities detected in imaging or blood tests.
Chronic liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease.
Liver tumors or lesions that need further examination.
Monitoring of liver transplant function or disease progression.
Anesthesia Administration – The patient is placed under general anesthesia.
Small Incisions – Tiny incisions are made in the abdomen to insert a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera).
Liver Tissue Extraction – A specialized instrument is used to carefully remove a small liver tissue sample.
Closure & Recovery – The incisions are closed, and the patient is monitored for any complications.
Laboratory Analysis – The sample is sent for histopathological examination to determine the underlying liver condition.
Minimally invasive – Smaller incisions lead to less pain, reduced scarring, and faster recovery.
Higher accuracy – Direct visualization of the liver allows for precise sampling.
Lower risk of complications – Compared to percutaneous (needle) biopsy, laparoscopic biopsy reduces the chance of internal bleeding.
Most patients recover within a few days and can resume normal activities within a week.
Mild pain or discomfort at the incision site is normal and can be managed with pain relievers.
Regular follow-ups ensure proper healing and interpretation of biopsy results.
While laparoscopic liver biopsy is safe, potential risks include:
Mild bleeding or infection at the biopsy site.
Temporary shoulder pain due to gas used in laparoscopy.
Rare cases of bile leakage or internal bleeding.
Laparoscopic liver biopsy is a safe, accurate, and minimally invasive diagnostic tool for evaluating liver diseases. If your doctor recommends a biopsy, this procedure ensures a quick recovery with minimal risk