Treatment
Pediatric Transjugular Liver Biopsy
A liver biopsy is a procedure in which small pieces of liver tissue are extracted and sent to a laboratory for evaluation. Usually, the biopsy is performed by inserting a needle through the skin into the liver; this can sometimes result in bleeding from the liver into the abdomen.
A child with increased risk of bleeding or with a large amount of fluid in the abdomen will require a different type of biopsy, called a transjugular liver biopsy. During this procedure, the Interventional Radiology team at Children's National Hospital will thread a catheter (a thin tube) through the internal jugular vein in the neck and into the liver. This way, if the liver bleeds, blood goes into a vein, instead of the abdomen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is a transjugular liver biopsy performed in children?
Will my child be awake during transjugular liver biopsy?
Will my child have pain after the transjugular liver biopsy?
How long does a transjugular liver biopsy procedure in children take?
What risks are associated with a transjugular liver biopsy procedure in children?
What can I expect after the my child's transjugular liver biopsy procedure?
When can I remove my child's bandage after a transjugular liver biopsy?
When can my child bathe after a transjugular liver biopsy?
Are there any activity restrictions for children after a transjugular liver biopsy procedure?
![doctor examines xray results with little girl](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/cnh-e6162ccc/media/cnhs-site/cnhs-site-x-do-not-delete/images/stock-photos/radiologist-xray-and-child.jpg?h=400&iar=0&w=800)
Interventional Radiology at Children's National Hospital
Our pediatric interventional radiologists perform a full range of minimally invasive, image-guided procedures to both diagnose and treat disease in infants, children and adolescents. Discover more about the treatment we offer.
![doctor examines xray results with little girl](https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/cnh-e6162ccc/media/cnhs-site/cnhs-site-x-do-not-delete/images/stock-photos/radiologist-xray-and-child.jpg?h=400&iar=0&w=800)
Meet the Providers Who Offer Transjugular Liver Biopsy
Departments that Offer Transjugular Liver Biopsy
![Young boy and provider giving each other a high five](/-/media/cnhs-site/images/departments/solid-tumor/solid-tumor-program_hero-image.jpg)
Solid Tumor Program
Our Solid Tumor Program has a dedicated team of sarcoma experts who specialize in the newest treatments and clinical trials.
![Young girl sitting in front of window smiling](/-/media/cnhs-site/images/0-brand-images/service-line-interactions/cancer/center-for-cancer-and-blood-disorders_hero-image.jpg)
Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
Our cancer and blood disorders team delivers comprehensive care, including novel treatments that are not yet widely available.
![Young boy smiling](/-/media/cnhs-site/images/0-brand-images/kids/boy-smiling.jpg)
Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
Our gastroenterology experts provide expert diagnosis and treatments for children with digestive, liver and nutrition disorders.