Do I Need a Liver Biopsy?

Although sensitive and relatively accurate blood tests and imaging studies are available to detect and diagnose liver diseases, the liver biopsy still remains a vital tool. Liver biopsy should be considered in patients in whom the diagnosis is questionable, and for whom obtaining a specific diagnosis likely alters the management plan. The biopsy may also predict prognosis by the staging of a known liver disease. It also helps in developing treatment plans based on histological analysis. However, complications may arise even though the incidence is small. Sampling error and inter-observer variability may result in inaccurate data and limit utility. Physicians and patients may hesitate to undertake liver biopsy for fear of complications. The aim of this chapter is to provide information about the benefits and limitations of liver biopsy for physicians who have to answer questions from patients recommended to undergo liver biopsy.