For a while, a liver biopsy was the only assessment to determine liver health. Thanks to advancements in medical technologies, that is no longer the case. FibroScan GO is a non-invasive option that provides faster results without any recovery time. It is often as effective as a biopsy in early diagnoses.
Within this post, we will explore the difference between a biopsy and FibroScan GO and how they compare in regard to safety, accuracy, comfort, and results.
How a Liver Biopsy Works
There are three types of liver biopsies that can be preformed:
- Percutaneous liver biopsy- the doctor inserts the biopsy needle directly into the skin of the abdomen and into the liver. This is the least invasive type of biopsy, which makes it the first choice among doctors.
- Transvenous liver biopsy- The biopsy needle pass through a catheter in the jugular vein to reach the liver. This type of biopsy is used for patients who have excess fluid in the abdomen or they have a bleeding disorder.
- Surgical biopsy- A type of biopsy that occurs during an already planned abdominal surgery.
How FibroScan GO Works
FibroScan GO is a non-invasive medical device that assesses liver health. This type of procedure uses a small probe to produce sound waves in order to determine the stiffness and fat content of the liver. Waves that move faster indicate stiffer tissue, which is the result of scarring. Also the more the sound waves are absorbed into the tissue, the greater fat accumulation within the liver.
Risks and Recovery Time of a Biopsy
Because a liver biopsy is an invasive procedure, it does come with some risks. After having received a biopsy, it can cause pain in the location of the liver. This pain is generally mild and temporary. However, if the pain is severe and lasts for a longer time period, it could be a sign of more serious complications. Low blood pressure can also occur after receiving a biopsy. Patients might feel light headed temporarily following the procedure. If blood pressure drops significantly and you begin to feel very weak, it could be a sign of internal bleeding.
In rare cases, some complications include infection, bile leak, internal bleeding, and collapsed lung. Recovery time for a liver biopsy requires about a week for the body to rest. Be sure to avoid lifting heavy objects and partaking in strenuous, high-intensity exercise and activities. It’s also important to keep the incision area clean to prevent any type of infection as it heals.
Why is FibroScan GO Considered a Better Option?
When choosing between the two options, doctors generally tend to use FibroScan GO instead of a liver biopsy due to its quick and non-invasive nature. It causes less pain and requires almost no recovery time after the procedure. Results are received shortly after the procedure, unlike a biopsy, which could take up to a week to receive results.
When a Biopsy is Still Necessary
While the FibroScan GO is generally an accurate and helpful tool, there are certain cases that can prevent it from being effective. Patients who are obese or have excess fluid might contribute to inaccurate results. Also, discrepancies between FibroScan Go and previous testing, like a blood test. Both of these can lead to the doctor conducting a liver biopsy, so that they can get a more detailed evaluation and have more clarity as to what is going on.
How Doctors Determine Which Test is Right for You
When deciding between a liver biopsy and the FibroScan GO, a doctor has many factors to consider. Diagnostic needs of the patients are considered when decided between the two. If the patient requires their liver stiffness to be evaluated, then the doctor might utilize the FibroScan GO, whereas if the patient requires more comprehensive testing, their doctor might seek a liver biopsy. Certain factors that might limit FibroScan GO’s accuracy could also warrant the doctor to prefer a biopsy. If the patient requires constant monitoring, FibroScan GO is generally the preferred option due to its non-invasive nature, meanwhile a biopsy is intended for diagnostics that are specific in its purpose.
Schedule an Appointment
Not sure which liver diagnostic procedure is right for you? Schedule an appointment with our skilled gastroenterologists today to discuss whether a biopsy or the FibroScan GO would meet your health needs.
