Liver Biopsy : Indications, Procedures, Results

Abstract

Liver biopsy is a procedure that involves obtaining a small piece of liver tissue, which is then analyzed in the laboratory. Liver biopsy may be used to evaluate a mass seen on images, diagnose unexplained liver diseases or abnormal liver function tests, and to determine the severity of the liver disease including hepatitis, fibrosis, and steatosis. Liver biopsy is an invasive procedure, and its complications are rare but potentially lethal. Therefore, it is necessary to perform liver biopsy safely from clinical aspect and to take specimen steadily from a pathological one. I hope this book addresses the future aspects of liver biopsy including role, indication, technique and evaluation. Furthermore, this book introduces new non-invasive alternatives including elastography and computer analysis of liver fibrosis.