Transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) is a minimally invasive procedure performed by interventional radiologists (IR) to obtain tissue samples from the liver for diagnostic purposes.

Transjugular liver biopsy is often preferred in cases where conventional liver biopsy techniques (such as percutaneous biopsy) may be risky due to factors such as coagulopathy (impaired blood clotting), ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen), or obesity. Additionally, it allows for sampling from specific regions of the liver that may not be accessible via percutaneous methods.

It’s important for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with their healthcare provider to determine if transjugular liver biopsy is the most appropriate option for them.

Here’s an overview of the procedure:

1. Insertion of Catheter – The interventional radiologist typically gains access to the liver through the jugular vein in the neck. Using imaging guidance such as fluoroscopy, a catheter is advanced through the jugular vein into the hepatic vein, which drains blood from the liver.
2. Liver Biopsy – Once the catheter is in position within the hepatic vein, a biopsy needle is advanced through the catheter and into the liver tissue under imaging guidance. Several tissue samples are usually taken to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
3. Tissue Collection – The tissue samples are then retrieved and sent to a pathology laboratory for analysis.

The patient may be asked to fast for a few hours before the procedure. They will also be given sedatives or local anesthesia to help relax and minimize discomfort during the procedure.

After the procedure, the patient is monitored for a brief period to ensure there are no complications such as bleeding. They may be advised to rest for a short time before being discharged.

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