Liver Cirrhosis

[randy44]

How long does it take to get a biopsy for cirrhosis of liver. I'm a 44 yr male that drank heavy to moderate for 25 yrs and have had multiple symptoms for the last 9 months. All blood tests and CT/MRI scans have been normal. I've also seen 6 hep dr's too and nobody is willing to do a biopsy and say that I have no evidence of liver disease but from what I've read, a biopsy is the gold standard for cirrhosis. Any help. Anyone!

[lizziecee]

It is very difficult, I have found, to get a liver biopsy, anyways in England, where I live. I have had Crohn's for 37 yrs and having been on methotrexate for 7 yrs, which is very toxic to the liver, My brilliant gastro has mentioned a liver biopsy a few times on 3 monthly reviews, but he recently talked to an heptalogist in the same hospital, who cautioned him that as my Liver Function Tests, monthly are fine, no way should we go there.  There are some serious surgical risks with liver biopsy, as my gastro explained - the liver being near to a lung, and if they happen to puncture the lung, big trouble. My gastro is young, on his first consultancy, and I sometimes think, he wants me to be a guinea pig!

I am not a candidate for cirrhosis - drink perhaps 4 glasses of wine in the evening, but never touch spirits or beer. As long as my monthly LVT tests are fine, I am happy with my own situation.

Just because you drank heavily or moderately, does not mean you may have cirrhosis. I would quell your anxiety and keep having 3 monthly blood tests.
Liz.

[dilly13]

I have just had a liver Biopsy done - it is F-ing painfull at the time but no pain after the procedure. If I had an option i would do it under general anestetic next time...

[dilly13]

the point i forgot to make is the reason the doctors are unwilling to do Liver Biopsy's is because the liver is very prone to uncontrolled bleeding, and also risk of infection caused by the biopsy.  This is usually mannaged by the surgeon doing multiple CT scans befor and during the procedure to avoid hitting veins in the liver and causing a bleed. The Liver Function tests will be a good indication of if yur liver is working, a biopsy in my opinion is only needed to work out what is causing the liver damage reported in the blood liver function tests.  Personally I woudl avoid teh Biopsy unless your liver function tests showed a problem.  (PS I am a lawyer not a doctor and am speaking from my own personal experiance only)
Good luck and stay off the heavy boozing - Neil