Ultrasound Guided Thyroid And Liver Biopsies

Biopsies of various organs are performed under ultrasound guidance at SMVI, including of the thyroid and liver. An ultrasound guided biopsy is also known as a fine needle aspiration (FNA). The purpose of the biopsy is to obtain very small samples of tissue. These small tissue samples are further evaluated by a pathologist, who is a physician who diagnoses diseases and conditions using a microscope. Your health care provider may want you to undergo a biopsy if he or she would like further information to diagnose a condition.

How the procedure is done:

At SMVI, one of our goals is to make sure our patients have a comfortable and pleasant experience. For a biopsy procedure, you will lie on your back on an exam table. Initially, the organ to be biopsied will be examined with ultrasound. After the biopsy site is cleaned, the doctor will administer local anesthetic to numb the area. Usually, intravenous sedation is not required for this minor procedure. A thin needle is then inserted into the organ under ultrasound visualization, and a tissue sample is obtained. More than one needle passes may be performed to obtain an adequate amount of tissue. When the procedure is done, pressure will be applied to the biopsy site to stop any bleeding, and the site will be covered with a bandage.

Your health care provider will receive the results, and will discuss the results with you.

Preparing for the procedure:

Tell your health care provider if you have drug allergies, bleeding problems, or are pregnant. You should also make sure your health care provider has a current list of all medications you take, including herbal remedies and over-the-counter drugs.

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