Transjugular Liver Biopsy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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What do I need to know about a transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB)?

A TJLB is a procedure to remove a sample of tissue from your liver. The sample can be sent to a lab and tested for liver disease, cancer, or infection.

How do I prepare for a TJLB?

• Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for your procedure. You may need to have your blood tested before the procedure. A blood test can check how well your blood clots. Your blood needs to clot correctly to prevent heavy bleeding during the procedure.
• The provider may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of your procedure. He or she will tell you what medicines to take or not take on the day of your procedure. You may need to stop taking blood thinners, NSAIDs, or aspirin 3 to 7 days before your procedure.
• Before the procedure you may be given an antibiotic to help prevent a bacterial infection. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic. During the procedure you may be given contrast liquid to help your liver show up better in pictures. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you after the procedure. This person can help you around the house and watch you for any problems.

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What will happen during a TJLB?

• You may be given local anesthesia to numb the surgery area. With local anesthesia, you may still feel pressure or pushing during surgery, but you should not feel any pain. You may also be given IV sedation to help you feel relaxed. If you feel pain during the procedure, your healthcare provider will give you IV pain medicine. Ultrasound or CT pictures may be taken to help your provider see your veins and liver more clearly.
• Your healthcare provider will make a small cut in the side of your neck. He or she will insert a catheter into your vein. The provider will move the catheter until it reaches a blood vessel in your liver. Your healthcare provider will insert a needle through the catheter and take a sample of your liver. The needle and catheter will be removed and pressure will be applied to your wound. A bandage will be placed over your wound.

What will happen after a TJLB?

Healthcare providers will monitor your vital signs and check for bleeding from your neck vein. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. You may be able to go home in 4 to 6 hours, or you may need to spend a night in the hospital. Your neck, abdomen, and right shoulder may be sore. You may also have mild swelling and bruising in your neck. These symptoms should get better in 48 to 72 hours.

What are the risks of a TJLB?

You may bleed more than expected or get an infection. The catheter may make a hole in your blood vessels, lung, or liver. The catheter may cause an abnormal heartbeat when it passes through blood vessels in your heart. These problems may become life-threatening.

Care Agreement

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