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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

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Why Cannot The Biopsy On A Damaged Liver Be Carried Out?

If a patient undergoing gall bladder surgery, has the procedure stopped because a diseased liver becomes evident and a biopsy cannot be performed because that very same liver bleeds too much...what are some of the causes if no alcohol is involved; however, long term use of Amitriptyline is evident. And if not drug related, what else should a specialist be looking for?
Mon, 27 Oct 2014
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Gastroenterologist, Surgical,  's  Response
HI, How are you? My Name is Dr Suresh Raghavaiah. I am a Liver and pancreas specialist and I hope to answer your question today. I am sure your patient has cirrhosis of the liver (going by your description). But in patients who do not have any symptoms related to it, and in whom the clotting profile (PT/INR) is normal, a gall bladder surgery can be safely completed and a biopsy can also be taken. But there is always a risk of decompensation and hence these procedures need to be done in specialised centers.
Coming to the causes of cirrhosis, it is too numerous to list, but most commonly are due to alcohol, fatty liver disease, viral infections (Hepatits B,C), drugs etc. In about 10-20% of cases, no cause can be found and these are termed as cryptogenic cirrhosis.
I am sure the doctors will investigate further and will be able to pin point the cause. There are standardised protocols followed to investigate cirrhosis.

Hope this helps and hope your patient starts to feel better.
Please do not hesitate t write back for further clarifications.

Have a great day
Dr Suresh Raghavaiah


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Why Cannot The Biopsy On A Damaged Liver Be Carried Out?

HI, How are you? My Name is Dr Suresh Raghavaiah. I am a Liver and pancreas specialist and I hope to answer your question today. I am sure your patient has cirrhosis of the liver (going by your description). But in patients who do not have any symptoms related to it, and in whom the clotting profile (PT/INR) is normal, a gall bladder surgery can be safely completed and a biopsy can also be taken. But there is always a risk of decompensation and hence these procedures need to be done in specialised centers. Coming to the causes of cirrhosis, it is too numerous to list, but most commonly are due to alcohol, fatty liver disease, viral infections (Hepatits B,C), drugs etc. In about 10-20% of cases, no cause can be found and these are termed as cryptogenic cirrhosis. I am sure the doctors will investigate further and will be able to pin point the cause. There are standardised protocols followed to investigate cirrhosis. Hope this helps and hope your patient starts to feel better. Please do not hesitate t write back for further clarifications. Have a great day Dr Suresh Raghavaiah