Hepatic Biopsy
- Percutaneous biopsy
- Position the patient supine with the right hand under the head.
- Identify the lesion of interest with percussion and ultrasound guidance.
- Inject lidocaine over the upper border of the rib to avoid the subcostal vessels.
- Use a scalpel to create a small skin incision and then pass the needle through the skin and subcutaneous tissue into the lesion of interest under ultrasound guidance.
- Obtain the biopsy using a core or Tru-Cut needle while the patient is holding his or her breath.
- Laparoscopic biopsy
- Place a camera port plus one to two additional ports depending on the location of the lesion, usually in the subcostal and epigastric area, for retraction and to complete the biopsy.
- Once the lesion is adequately exposed, biopsy it, usually with a Tru-Cut or core needle.