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A liver biopsy is a medical procedure performed to collect a small piece of liver tissue, so it can be examined closely under a microscope for signs of disease or damage. This procedure is usually carried out to detect the presence of abnormal cells in the liver, such as cancer cells. Your doctor may suggest a liver biopsy if the result of your blood tests or imaging studies shows that you might have a problem in your liver. Although biopsies are usually associated with cancer, it does not necessarily mean that you have cancer if your doctor recommends this test.
A liver biopsy is most often used to:
Identify the cause of unexplained jaundice (yellowing of the skin), persistent abnormal liver blood tests (liver enzymes), a liver abnormality found on CT scan, ultrasound, or nuclear scan, as well as unexplained enlargement of the liver
Determine the severity of the liver disease
Grade and stage hepatitis B and C
Monitor the liver after a liver transplant
Help develop the best treatment for liver damage or disease.
Laparoscopic biopsy
Laparoscopic biopsy uses a laparoscope, which is a tube-like instrument with a tiny camera attached to it, to collect the sample.
Before the laparoscopic biopsy, you will be given a general anesthetic. Your doctor will create several tiny incisions in your abdomen. The laparoscope and special surgical tools are inserted through these incisions. The camera within the laparoscope projects images on a monitor. Your doctor uses these images to guide the surgical tools to your liver to take some tissue samples. When the samples are taken, the tools are removed and the incisions are closed with stitches.
Transjugular biopsy
To start the procedure, a small numbing medication is applied to one side of your neck. Your doctor will then create a small incision at the numbed area and then inserts a thin, flexible tube through the incision into your jugular vein. The tube is then guided through the jugular vein and into the hepatic vein (the large vein in your liver). Once the tube reaches your hepatic vein, your doctor will inject a contrast dye into the tube and creates a series of X-ray images. The contrast dye will show up in the vein, which enables your doctor to clearly see the hepatic vein. Afterward, a biopsy needle is inserted through the tube to take the liver sample.
Percutaneous biopsy
Percutaneous biopsy, also known as a needle biopsy, is the most common type of liver biopsy. It involves the use of a thin needle through your abdomen and into the liver. To start the procedure, your doctor will tap your abdomen or use ultrasound images to locate your liver. Ultrasound is sometimes used to guide the needle into the liver. Your doctor will apply a numbing medication and then creates an incision near the bottom of your ribcage. The needle is then inserted through the incision and your doctor will remove a small tissue sample.
You can leave the hospital on the same day as the procedure. However, since it takes around a week until the result of your biopsy comes back from the pathology lab, plan to stay in United States for about 7 days. Once the result is ready, you will have to attend a follow-up appointment to discuss the results with your doctor. If everything is fine, you will be allowed to travel home afterward.
You need to take it easy and rest for at least 1 day. You should be able to resume your normal activities after a few days. However, avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a week following your liver biopsy.
Your doctor will give you detailed aftercare instructions that you need to follow. In general, you need to avoid taking aspirin or products that contain aspirin for a week. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help with your discomfort, make sure to take them as directed.
A liver biopsy is a safe procedure with high success and accuracy rates. Although it is safe, there are still some possible risks and side effects that you will need to be aware of. These include:
Bleeding
Pain
Infection
Injury to a nearby organ.
A transjugular biopsy carries very rare risks of hematoma in the neck, puncture of the lung, temporary voice problems, and temporary problems with the facial nerves.
In some cases, your doctor may be able to make a diagnosis of liver disease based on physical examination, medical history, and blood testing. Doctors may also use imaging techniques as an alternative to liver biopsy. The simplest imaging technique that’s used is elastography (mostly known as FibroScan), which is similar to an ultrasound and can measure the stiffness of a liver.
Before a liver biopsy, you may experience unexplained symptoms and your doctor may not be able to make an accurate diagnosis of your problem. After the procedure, your doctor should be able to make a diagnosis and know for sure the condition of your liver. The results will allow you and your doctor to create a treatment plan.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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With a population of over 327 million people, the United States of America (USA) is the third most populous country in the world. It has endless options for visitors with beaches, snow-covered mountains, forests, big cities; travelers will have many different experiences. The country is also a top global destination for medical travel. Although procedures can cost a lot more when compared to Asian countries, people from all over the world come to the United States to get treated with advanced technology and competent medical professionals. The skilled and experienced doctors are mostly trained in world-renowned universities including Stanford and Harvard. Medical tourists come from the Caribbean, Europe, and Central America and almost any procedure can be done in the country, whether it is complex procedures or a difficult diagnosis.
The United States has a wide variety of climates, which makes it a year-round destination. In general, the country experiences four distinct seasons. Summer starts in June and ends in August. During the summer, the northern states enjoy warm days and cool nights, and the southern states and tropical areas experience very hot temperatures. Autumn is from September to November and the season brings cooler temperatures to the country. December to February is the winter months and the northern areas will encounter snow and colder temperatures, but the southern areas experience mild temperatures. The temperatures all around the country will begin to warm up during the spring months from March to May and expect to find many thunderstorms and rainstorms during this season.
The United States is well connected by plane since it has more than 375 domestic airports and numerous international airports. Most tourists will arrive in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, John F. Kennedy International Airport, or O’Hare International Airport. These airports serve domestic and international flights to many parts of the world. The airports also operate many carriers such as Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, United, and American Airlines.
The most affordable way to get around the USA is by bus. Many bus companies go across the country such as Greyhound, Mega Bus, Peter Pan, and Bolt Bus. However, it is important to note that long-distance travel can take a long time. The nicer option to travel around the country is by Amtrak trains. It is by no means fast, but tourists can relax and enjoy the landscape. If you wish to travel by train, tourists can purchase money-saving passes. The most popular way to travel around the USA is by car. Petrol is generally cheaper compared to the United Kingdom and it gives tourists the freedom to go wherever they want. Taxis are plentiful in most cities and can be very inexpensive. Many taxis are painted in bright yellow, making them easy to distinguish. Taxi can be hailed directly from the streets and the fare is run on a meter.
All visitors must obtain a visa to visit the United States of America unless they come from one of the visa-exempt or Visa Waiver Program countries. There are four countries and Bermuda that have visa exemption access to the US. Currently, citizens of 38 countries are selected for the Visa Waiver Program, including Australia, Japan, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Other nationals not listed in the visa-exempt or Visa Waiver Program should apply and obtain a visa before entering the country. It is advisable to always check with your nearest US Embassy for the visa policy.