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?

Interventional Radiology at Children's National Hospital
Our pediatric interventional radiologists perform a full range of minimally invasive, image-guided procedures to both diagnose and treat disease in infants, children and adolescents. Discover more about the treatment we offer.

Departments that Offer Transjugular Liver Biopsy

Solid Tumor Program
Our Solid Tumor Program has a dedicated team of sarcoma experts who specialize in the newest treatments and clinical trials.

Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
Our cancer and blood disorders team delivers comprehensive care, including novel treatments that are not yet widely available.

Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Our gastroenterology experts provide expert diagnosis and treatments for children with digestive, liver and nutrition disorders.