Liver Biopsy? - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

JohnnyJet74 · 11-17-2008, 12:10 AM

So when I had my labs done a couple months ago some of my liver enzymes came back elevated. The doc said that it wasn't uncommon for obese people to have this result and it usually indicated 'fatty liver.' However, on Friday, he told me that he wanted to do a liver biopsy duing my surgery "just to be on the safe side." (His explanation was more detailed than that and made a lot of sense)

I did a search and found a couple other peopel with similar stories, but I'm wondering just how common it is to do a livery biopsy during the surgery?

PS...I'm not "worried" about it; I was told that it adds about 5 minutes to the surgery and doesn't really create additional discomfort.

gsgrant78 · 11-17-2008, 01:20 AM

I had a liver biopsy during my surgery. I think it just good policy to check it out while you are in there. Don't freak out if the doctor doesn't tell you its good right away. I had to wait a week or two to find out that I didn't have any unrepairable damage. BTW elevated liver function kind of runs in my family.
Scott

narf852 · 11-17-2008, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gsgrant78

I had a liver biopsy during my surgery. I think it just good policy to check it out while you are in there. Don't freak out if the doctor doesn't tell you its good right away. I had to wait a week or two to find out that I didn't have any unrepairable damage. BTW elevated liver function kind of runs in my family.
Scott

Hi, I also had a liver biopsy and my gallbladder removed. My doctor told me this is the "norm" when you have gastric surgery, but if you have lap band surgery these 2 procedures are not done.

Sue0609 · 11-18-2008, 06:58 PM

Whether it's the "norm" varies by doctor. I didn't have a liver biopsy and my surgeon only takes the gall bladder if there is evidence of an issue with it (insurance won't cover it if there isn't anyhow).

Snow-Belle · 11-18-2008, 07:16 PM

My surgeon said that he offers to remove the gallbladder during RNY surgery (I had mine yanked years ago-so it wasn't an issue).

I didn't have a liver biopsy (I cause he didn't see any need) but it would make a lot of sense to do it while they have you there on the table, rather than have you go back another time for it.

narf852 · 11-19-2008, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sue0609

Whether it's the "norm" varies by doctor. I didn't have a liver biopsy and my surgeon only takes the gall bladder if there is evidence of an issue with it (insurance won't cover it if there isn't anyhow).

Hi, My doctor told me that the gallbladder is removed to prevent gallstones that alot of "obese" people tend to get after the WLS. My insurance paided for the procedure.

MiladyB · 11-19-2008, 11:27 AM

My surgeon doesn't routinely do a liver biopsy but I know of some surgeons that do. The doc needs to move the liver anyway to do the surgery so I can see why some physicians make it a practice to always do a liver biopsy.

Debz · 11-20-2008, 06:27 AM

Fatty liver is really common in obese peole and often reversable with weight loss. I've had several liver biopsies over time because of my liver values...the first at 22. Hes right, though...he's already in there and might as well get a sample, just to confirm the fatty liver diagnosis.

JohnnyJet74 · 11-20-2008, 09:34 AM

Thanks to everyone for their replies...I have to admit I was initially a little freaked out (despite what I said in my original post) but it looks like its a fairly common thing to do. Whew!