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Liver Biopsy

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What is a liver biopsy?

A liver biopsy is a procedure that involves taking a small piece of liver tissue for examination with a microscope for signs of damage or disease. The three types of liver biopsy are the following:

  • Percutaneous biopsy—the most common type of liver biopsy—involves inserting a hollow needle through the abdomen into the liver. The abdomen is the area between the chest and hips.
  • Transvenous biopsy involves making a small incision in the neck and inserting a needle through a hollow tube called a sheath through the jugular vein to the liver.
  • Laparoscopic biopsy involves inserting a laparoscope, a thin tube with a tiny video camera attached, through a small incision to look inside the body to view the surface of organs. The health care provider will insert a needle through a plastic, tubelike instrument called a cannula to remove the liver tissue sample.

What is the liver and what does it do?

The liver is the body’s largest internal organ. The liver is called the body’s metabolic factory because of the important role it plays in metabolism—the way cells change food into energy after food is digested and absorbed into the blood. The liver has many functions, including

  • taking up, storing, and processing nutrients from food—including fat, sugar, and protein—and delivering them to the rest of the body when needed
  • making new proteins, such as clotting factors and immune factors
  • producing bile, which helps the body absorb fats, cholesterol, and fat-soluble vitamins
  • removing waste products the kidneys cannot remove, such as fats, cholesterol, toxins, and medications

A healthy liver is necessary for survival. The liver can regenerate most of its own cells when they become damaged.

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What Our Patients Are Saying

The young man who registered me was excellent. I waited about 45 minutes and could not help but overhear how calmly and professionally he handled multiple complaints by walk-in patients. The complaints were not related to appointments but getting a response to inquiries about other issues. He just took it all in stride and seemed to calm the patient. Dr. Jones also patiently listened to my personal issues with communications with the practice. I appreciate his time and consideration.

Margaret N.

I would like to write a raving review for Sal! Over the years she has been EXTERMLY professional, her dedication to your patients goes above and beyond. She has been truly a pleasure to work with and we will miss her referring to use here at Michigan Medicine. I have often referred to her process and professionalism with many other outside referring offices. She will be missed! You I wish you nothing but the best Sal!!! Suzanne

Suzanne T.

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Staff at reception/checkout were professional & helpful. Medical Assistant was friendly & thorough. Dr. Ahmad was at his best as is the case with every visit. He is thorough, honest, empathetic, and always an excellent communicator/educator.

Kathy D.

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Great experience all-around! Very friendly staff and knowledgeable providers (both physician assistants and doctors) I see lots of people on here who are frustrated with phones and IT-related issues but as this is out of the employee’s hands I base my review off of the things that WERE in their control. They were kind, efficient and understanding.

Jo S.

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From my very first encounter at the front desk, to the discharge nurse after surgery, my experience was a good one. The staff all listened to my questions and concerns, and Dr. Julian is top-notch.

Cynthia S.

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, click their image or visit our providers page.

Daniel Coffey, MD

Dorian Jones, MD

Lucas Julien, MD

Janell Lee-Allen, MD

Razvan Opreanu, MD

Scott Plaehn, DO, FACOI

Albert Ross, MD

John Walling, Jr., DO, FACOI

Siaka Yusuf, MD

Our Locations

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?
If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.
What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?
An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If an Digestive Health Institute physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.
How do I get test results?
We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised. You may call 517-332-1200 and press “8″ and your call will be directed to the triage nurse.
What insurances do you accept?
Digestive Health Institute accepts payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 517-332-1200 #6.

What if I need to contact the doctor?
To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 517-332-1200. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours please call our answering service at 517-483-9124 and the doctor on call will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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