A liver biopsy is a procedure where a very small sample of the liver is taken with a needle. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for tests.

Your child will be asleep (with a general anaesthetic) during the biopsy and will not feel any pain or be distressed.

Why does my child need a liver biopsy?

Children may need a liver biopsy for a number of different reasons, for example, to:

• help diagnose problems with the liver
  
• determine how severe a liver disease may be
  
• monitor how well the liver is responding to treatment for liver disease
  
• monitor a liver following transplant.

What to expect with a liver biopsy

Before the procedure

The day before the biopsy, your child will need to have a blood test. A numbing cream can be applied to your child’s skin before the needle is inserted, to reduce discomfort.

Your child will need to fast (not have anything to eat or drink) for a few hours before they have the liver biopsy, due to the need for a general anaesthetic. You will be given fasting instructions to follow.

If you have any questions about the liver biopsy, ask the doctors or nurses when you come to your appointment.

During the procedure

Your child will be asleep while the liver biopsy is being performed. A doctor will make a small incision (cut) in your child’s abdomen and insert the biopsy needle. The incision will then be covered with a small clear dressing or sticking plaster.

After the procedure

Once the anaesthetic or sedation wears off and your child is awake, the nurse will let you know when your child can eat and drink. They should start with fluids, increasing to some food when they can tolerate it.

For six hours after the procedure, your child will need to rest in bed and will only be able to get up to go to the toilet, under supervision. After the six hours of rest, your child can begin slow and gentle walking.

Your child will need to have close monitoring for eight hours after the liver biopsy. They should be able to go home after this period and after being reviewed by the doctor, depending on what time of the day the biopsy is done.

The results from the liver biopsy will be sent to the referring doctor – some tests may be ready the following day, while others can take several weeks after the procedure.

Care at home

Your child will be able to return to child care or school the day after they are discharged from hospital. Your child should not participate in contact sport or vigorous activity for one week after discharge.

The dressing should stay on your child for two days. It can then be removed (or left to fall off if your child prefers).

Follow-up

Contact the hospital where the procedure took place if:

• your child has stomach pain or bloating that is continuous or becomes severe
  
• there is bleeding from the biopsy site
  
• your child has a fever above 38°C.
  
• you are worried for any other reason.

Key points to remember

• A liver biopsy is a procedure where a very small sample of the liver is taken with a needle
  
• Your child will need a blood test the day before, and they will need to fast on the day of the biopsy
  
• Your child should avoid contact sport or vigorous activity for one week after they are discharged from hospital
  
• Seek medical advice if your child has bleeding, bloating, pain or a fever
  

For more information

• Kids Health Info fact sheet: Sedation for procedures
• Kids Health Info fact sheet: Reducing your child's discomfort during procedures
• The Royal Children's Hospital Be Positive (B+): Having an IV blood test
• Talk to your doctor.

Developed by The Royal Children's Hospital Gastroenterology department. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.

Reviewed October 2020.

Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit www.rchfoundation.org.au.