TJLB (TRANS JUGULAR LIVER BIOPSY)
What it is:
- A liver biopsy is a procedure that involves taking a tiny specimen of the liver for examination under a microscope.
- In most cases, a liver biopsy is taken through the skin by passing a fine needle through into the liver.
- A transjugular liver biopsy (TJLBx) is an alternative way of obtaining the liver specimen, by passing the needle through the vein in the neck (jugular vein).
Why it is necessary:
- The doctors looking after you have decided that a liver biopsy is needed to find out more information about your liver problem. The information gained from the biopsy will help them treat your condition.
Why it is preferred:
- It is preferred in patients who have abnormal clotting of the blood or fluid collecting with in their abdomen. This technique is used to reduce the risk of bleeding after the biopsy.
Preparation for the procedure:
- Few basic blood investigations like LFT, CBC, PT/INR, viral markers.
- Fasting for 4-6 hrs.
- Bring all the records including imaging record.
- Signing consent form.
Duration of procedure:
- We are fast and competent to provide you comfortable environment and ease your anxiety. Approx. time for procedure is 30 min.
What are the risks:
- The main risk is bleeding after the biopsy. However, a TJLBx carries a lower risk of bleeding than a conventional liver biopsy taken through the side of the abdomen.
- Pain and fever (less than 1 cases in 1000).
