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Liver biopsy?
I had my gallbladder removed via laparoscopic surgery in August 2011. I had bloodwork 5 days later and it showed one slightly elevated liver enzyme. I was prescribed cholyestramine 4 grams a day for post cholecsytectomy syndrome in early September 2011. I visited a gastroenterologist in December of 2011 for a followup of the post cholecsytectomy syndrome and to ask if it would be ok to continue on the cholyestramine long term since it was helping my IBS and the other problem.He said yes but switched me to cholestipol and I take 3 grams a day.He retested my liver enzymes and said that the one which was elevated post surgery had returned to normal but another had become slightly elevated.I was then sent for a more in depth blood screen for hepatitis and other liver related diseases .All bloodwork was normal...my ultrasound and hyda scan from pre surgery are normal as well. The surgeons visual showed a normal appearance too.Now the gastroenterologist is suggesting a liver biopsy.I am a healthy weight and I was a very occasional drinker maybe once per month if at all.Do you feel a biopsy is warranted in my case? Sorry for the length of my post. I also take Ibuprofen for adenomyosis related pain and have taken it daily for 10 + years anywhere from 2/4 pills per day.Thank you for your response.
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello and hope you are doing well.
Persistently elevated liver enzymes could be an indication for liver biopsy. This is planned after correlating with imaging studies, clinical symptoms and other blood tests. Elevated levels can occur with liver disease, but other causes for the enzyme elevation could be muscle disease or injury. Some medications can also raise these levels. Discuss these options with your consulting doctor.
Hope this helped and do keep us posted.
Persistently elevated liver enzymes could be an indication for liver biopsy. This is planned after correlating with imaging studies, clinical symptoms and other blood tests. Elevated levels can occur with liver disease, but other causes for the enzyme elevation could be muscle disease or injury. Some medications can also raise these levels. Discuss these options with your consulting doctor.
Hope this helped and do keep us posted.
I always try to get a doctor who I trust. Then it's simple. If she/he wants something I comply - such as a liver biopsy.
I have to question EmmyJN's statement that biopsies are "almost always laparoscopic". Percutaneous liver biopsy is the most common type of liver biopsy. Here's a description of the procedure from: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/liverbiopsy/
"Percutaneous Liver Biopsy
The most commonly used technique for collecting a liver sample is percutaneous liver biopsy. For this method, a hollow needle is inserted through the abdomen into the liver to remove a small piece of tissue.
To help find the liver and avoid sticking other organs with the biopsy needle, doctors often use ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT), or other imaging techniques.
Ultrasound is an imaging technique that uses sound waves to create images of the body's internal tissues and organs. Ultrasound images are displayed on a video monitor. The doctor chooses the best spot on the abdomen for inserting the biopsy needle and then marks the spot with ink. In other cases, ultrasound is used during a biopsy to safely guide the needle through the abdomen and into the liver.
CT is an imaging technique that takes hundreds of cross-sectional x rays in a few seconds. Putting together the cross-sectional x-ray pictures—like lining up slices of a loaf of bread—a computer forms a whole image of the internal organ.
Some doctors do not use an imaging technique and instead locate the liver by tapping on the abdomen.
During the procedure, patients lie on their back on a table with their right hand resting above their head. A local anesthetic is applied to the area where the biopsy needle will be inserted. If needed, an IV tube is used to give sedatives and pain medication.
The doctor makes a small incision in the abdomen, either toward the bottom of the rib cage or just below it, and inserts the biopsy needle. Patients will be asked to exhale and hold their breath while the needle is inserted and a liver sample is quickly withdrawn. Several samples may be collected, requiring multiple needle insertions.
After the biopsy, patients must lie on their right side for up to 2 hours to reduce the risk of bleeding. Patients are then monitored an additional 2 to 4 hours after the biopsy before being sent home."
I have had more than a few liver biopsies and none have been any big deal. Most patients report that the anticipation of the event is worse than the actual procedure. There is a slight risk however, as there is with any invasive procedure.
If you have faith in your doctor I would follow his/her advice.
Good luck,
Mike
I have to question EmmyJN's statement that biopsies are "almost always laparoscopic". Percutaneous liver biopsy is the most common type of liver biopsy. Here's a description of the procedure from: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/liverbiopsy/
"Percutaneous Liver Biopsy
The most commonly used technique for collecting a liver sample is percutaneous liver biopsy. For this method, a hollow needle is inserted through the abdomen into the liver to remove a small piece of tissue.
To help find the liver and avoid sticking other organs with the biopsy needle, doctors often use ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT), or other imaging techniques.
Ultrasound is an imaging technique that uses sound waves to create images of the body's internal tissues and organs. Ultrasound images are displayed on a video monitor. The doctor chooses the best spot on the abdomen for inserting the biopsy needle and then marks the spot with ink. In other cases, ultrasound is used during a biopsy to safely guide the needle through the abdomen and into the liver.
CT is an imaging technique that takes hundreds of cross-sectional x rays in a few seconds. Putting together the cross-sectional x-ray pictures—like lining up slices of a loaf of bread—a computer forms a whole image of the internal organ.
Some doctors do not use an imaging technique and instead locate the liver by tapping on the abdomen.
During the procedure, patients lie on their back on a table with their right hand resting above their head. A local anesthetic is applied to the area where the biopsy needle will be inserted. If needed, an IV tube is used to give sedatives and pain medication.
The doctor makes a small incision in the abdomen, either toward the bottom of the rib cage or just below it, and inserts the biopsy needle. Patients will be asked to exhale and hold their breath while the needle is inserted and a liver sample is quickly withdrawn. Several samples may be collected, requiring multiple needle insertions.
After the biopsy, patients must lie on their right side for up to 2 hours to reduce the risk of bleeding. Patients are then monitored an additional 2 to 4 hours after the biopsy before being sent home."
I have had more than a few liver biopsies and none have been any big deal. Most patients report that the anticipation of the event is worse than the actual procedure. There is a slight risk however, as there is with any invasive procedure.
If you have faith in your doctor I would follow his/her advice.
Good luck,
Mike
I have the same problem, only I don't drink alcohol!
I think a biopsy would be a great idea for your situation. I had one done, and we're still working on a dianosis, but it helps them rule out some stuff at the least. It really is helpful.
The procedure is really easy, and almost alway laproscopic. You'll have a little bruise for a few days were they cut you, and after you can barely see the scars. There is sometimes a one-day stay, depending on what they find on your results. Oh, and they can usually get some of the results to you in the same day as your surgery!
I will warn you, you have to lie on your right side for quite some time. Bring some CDs with you to listen to or something, because it's awful. You can't get up to go to the bathroom or anything for a few hours. Apart from that little part, the surgery is nothing to worry about.
I think a biopsy would be a great idea for your situation. I had one done, and we're still working on a dianosis, but it helps them rule out some stuff at the least. It really is helpful.
The procedure is really easy, and almost alway laproscopic. You'll have a little bruise for a few days were they cut you, and after you can barely see the scars. There is sometimes a one-day stay, depending on what they find on your results. Oh, and they can usually get some of the results to you in the same day as your surgery!
I will warn you, you have to lie on your right side for quite some time. Bring some CDs with you to listen to or something, because it's awful. You can't get up to go to the bathroom or anything for a few hours. Apart from that little part, the surgery is nothing to worry about.
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