Pediatric Transjugular Liver Biopsy

Using ultrasound and live X-ray (fluoroscopy) for guidance, your child's doctor will insert the catheter into the vein in the neck and guide it into the primary vein in the liver. A tiny needle will be inserted through the catheter and into the liver to obtain pieces of tissue.

No. Your child will be asleep with general anesthesia.

Your child may have mild discomfort at the insertion site.

Approximately one hour.

The procedure is considered low risk. However, potential complications include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Puncture of adjacent structures (such as other veins or arteries)
• Air embolism (air bubbles in the bloodstream; rarely occurs)

Your child may experience some discomfort and will need to stay in bed for four hours in the recovery area. After approximately four hours, a blood count (CBC) will be taken to monitor your child for bleeding if needed. If the test is normal, children who are outpatient will be able to go home.

Leave the bandage on your child’s neck for 24 hours. Then you may remove your child's bandage.

Your child shouldn’t shower or take a bath for 24 hours. After that, your child may resume normal bathing.

Your child should rest the day of the procedure. The next day, your child can return to light activities but should avoid strenuous activity and contact sports for one week.