Transjugular biopsy

[zarmar]

I am scheduled for this soon to determine diagnosis for beginning treatment - hopefully with new antivirals.  Has anyone had this test?  What can you tell me about how it went and what you learned.  Thanks.

[Semperfical]

I won't say there is nothing to worry about however I will say that the future is bright with the new interferon free treatments coming out. Clear rates exceed 90% for genotype 1 patients. The combo I'm on Solvaldi and Olysio in pill form taken once a day for 12 weeks with no mean side effects seem to be THE CURE at this time. There is a one pill regimen by Gilead in stage 3 trials right now that they expect will be given the green light by the FDA before years end that is even more promising.. I have 3 weeks to go and I've been clear for 6 weeks now. The cure rate for those with cirrhosis also appears to be high from what I've read.
The future is indeed promising for those of us infected with this insidious disease.

Good luck and god bless.

[ChrisDDD]

Thank you so much for easing my mind.  I was pretty freaked out the last couple of days about TIPS and cirrhosis symptoms and transjugular procedures, but your post really has calmed my nerves.  I also read part of a 14-page article about HepC and the staging of cirrhosis.  I managed to read 2 pages and just recoiled, sort of depressed today.  I feel better now.  Thank you.

[zarmar]

Super helpful, Nan.  Many thanks for this.

[zarmar]

Thank you for this very encouraging reply.  

Several years ago when first diagnosed I had traditional percutaneous biopsy.  Now with low platelets and possibility of portal hypertension, they plan to do the transjugular.  Many thanks for sharing your experience.  Lessened my anxiety a lot.

[Semperfical]

yes I have had 4 transjugular biopsies in 2 1/2 years. All looking for any sign of liver damage. I am a transplant recipient having had the surgery in 2011. My new liver was reinfected with Hep C and my medical team watched me closely for any signs of new damage. They had me in the treatment holding stage waiting for the new treatments that were coming out. If they had seen any signs of new damage I would have been put on Rib/interferon. As it worked out I was put on Olysio/Solvaldi combo in January and the virus has cleared so far. The reason I had transjug biopsies was because I am on a blood thinner and they didn't want to risk me having a blleding problem with the standard biopsy. Speaking from experience they were a piece of cake. No issues,pain, bleeding or anything.

[nan535]

A transjugular biopsy is done when it is determined that the standard liver biopsy would be less safe due to parenchymal disease or collapse.

See this article:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2747432/

My husband had this done in December. Basically it tells the doctors the same information. The only difference is how it is done. My husband was found to have cirrhosis of the new liver (3+/4).

Nan