Treatment
Pediatric Transjugular Liver Biopsy
A liver biopsy is a procedure in which small pieces of liver tissue are extracted and sent to a laboratory for evaluation. Usually, the biopsy is performed by inserting a needle through the skin into the liver; this can sometimes result in bleeding from the liver into the abdomen.
A child with increased risk of bleeding or with a large amount of fluid in the abdomen will require a different type of biopsy, called a transjugular liver biopsy. During this procedure, the Interventional Radiology team at Children's National Hospital will thread a catheter (a thin tube) through the internal jugular vein in the neck and into the liver. This way, if the liver bleeds, blood goes into a vein, instead of the abdomen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a transjugular liver biopsy performed in children?
Will my child be awake during transjugular liver biopsy?
Will my child have pain after the transjugular liver biopsy?
How long does a transjugular liver biopsy procedure in children take?
What risks are associated with a transjugular liver biopsy procedure in children?
What can I expect after the my child's transjugular liver biopsy procedure?
When can I remove my child's bandage after a transjugular liver biopsy?
When can my child bathe after a transjugular liver biopsy?
Are there any activity restrictions for children after a transjugular liver biopsy procedure?
Meet the Providers Who Offer Transjugular Liver Biopsy
Departments that Offer Transjugular Liver Biopsy
Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
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