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A biliary tract biopsy is a procedure that involves taking a sample of tissue or material from the duodenum, bile ducts, pancreas, or pancreatic duct. The sample is then tested for cancer or other diseases.
Alternative NamesCytology analysis - biliary tract
How the test is performedTissue or material samples can be obtained in several ways, depending on the problem.
If there is a well-defined tumor, the sample can be taken through an aspiration needle. The puncture site will be numbed. Then the needle is inserted through the skin into the lining or tissue to be tested. A small amount of tissue is taken in through the needle, and the needle is removed. The puncture site is then covered to control any bleeding. Pressure may be applied to the puncture site if bleeding continues.
If there is a problem such as a narrowing (stricture) or blockage of the bile ducts or pancreatic ducts, a sample can be taken during procedures such as:
If the sample is taken during the ERCP, an endoscope is passed through the mouth into the duodenum. A catheter is inserted through the endoscope and into the bile duct, and the sample is obtained. If a narrowing or blockage is observed, the area will be brushed. Then the sample of the brushed material will be analyzed.
If a PTCA is performed, the puncture site will be numbed. The needle will be inserted through the skin into the ducts. A catheter will then be inserted to take a sample from the ducts.
How to prepare for the testYou may not be able to eat or drink 8-12 hours or more before the test. Your health care provider will give you specific instructions. You must sign an informed consent form.
Arrange transportation for yourself, because the procedure can cause weakness. The health care provider will take your medical history and will examine you to determine the problem.
For infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age and experience. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following:
- Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
- Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
- Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
- School age test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
- Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)
If the biopsy is taken through a needle, you will feel a slight stinging sensation when the skin numbing medicine (local anesthetic) is injected. Even after the anesthetic takes effect, you may feel a cramping or pinching sensation during the procedure.
If the specimen is taken during an ERCP, you will receive a spray to help numb your throat. You will also receive sedation and pain medications through a vein (IV). As a result, you should not feel much discomfort during the procedure.
Why the test is performedA biopsy can determine whether a tumor started in the liver or spread from another location. It also can determine if a growth is cancerous.
A biopsy may also be taken:
- After a doctor's examination, x-ray, MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound has revealed abnormal growths
- To test for diseases or infection
Tissue that is not cancerous, diseased, or infected is normal.
What abnormal results mean- Cancerous liver tumors (those that either started in the liver or spread to it)
- Cholangiocarcinoma
- Liver cysts
- Pancreatic cancer
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
There is some risk of bleeding from the biopsy site. With the needle biopsy, there is a slight chance of infection at the puncture site. Also see the risks for an ERCP if the biopsy is taken through an endoscope.
ReferencesAfdahl NH. Diseases of the gall bladder and bile ducts. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds.Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 159.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoA biliary tract biopsy is the removal of tissue or substances from the duodenum, bile ducts, pancreas, or pancreatic duct for examination under a microscope.
Alternative NamesCytology analysis - biliary tract; Biliary tract biopsy
How the test is performedYour doctor can obtain a sample for a biliary tract biopsy in different ways.
A needle biopsy can be done if you have a well-defined tumor. The biopsy site is cleaned. A thin needle is inserted into the area to be tested, and a sample of cells and fluid are removed. The needle is then removed. Pressure is applied to the biopsy site to stop any bleeding. The site will be covered with a bandage. See also: Aspiration
If you have a narrowing or blockage of the bile or pancreatic ducts, a sample can be taken during procedures such as:
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
- Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTCA)
You may not be able to eat or drink 8-12 hours or more before the test. Your health care provider will give you specific instructions.
Make sure you have someone to drive you home.
How the test will feelHow the test will feel depends on the specific procedure used to remove the tissue or fluid sample for the biopsy.
In general, if you have a needle biopsy, you may feel a sting as the needle is inserted. Some people feel a cramping or pinching sensation during the procedure.
For other biliary tract biopsy methods, you will likely be given medicines to prevent pain and to help you relax.
Why the test is performedA biliary tract biopsy can determine whether a tumor started in the liver or spread from another location. It also can determine if the tumor is cancerous.
This test may be done:
- After a doctor's examination, x-ray, MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound shows abnormal growths in your biliary tract
- To test for diseases or infection
A normal result means there are no signs of cancer, disease, or infection in the biopsy sample.
What abnormal results meanAbnormal results may be due to:
- Cancer of the bile ducts (cholangiocarcinoma)
- Cysts in the liver
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Swelling and scarring of the bile ducts (primary sclerosing cholangitis)
Risks depend on how the biopsy sample was taken.
In general, risks may include:
- Bleeding at the biopsy site
- Infection
Afdahl NH. Diseases of the gall bladder and bile ducts. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 159.
Stockland AH, Baron TH. Endoscopic and radiologic treatment of biliary disease. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2010:chap 70.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 02/09/2011
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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What has the author Ashley R Dennison written?
Ashley R. Dennison has written: 'Operative solutions in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery' -- subject(s): Biliary tract, Methods, Pancreatic Diseases, Biliary Tract Surgical Procedures, Liver Diseases, Liver, Surgery, Pancreas, Biliary Tract Diseases 'Operative solutions in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery' -- subject(s): Biliary tract, Methods, Pancreatic Diseases, Biliary Tract Surgical Procedures, Liver Diseases, Liver, Surgery, Pancreas, Biliary Tract Diseases
What can cause a person to have bilirubun in their urine?
Increased levels of bilirubin in the urine may be due to: * Biliary strictures * Cirrhosis * Gallstones in the biliary tract * Hepatitis with associated biliary obstruction * Surgical trauma affecting the biliary tract * Tumors of the liver or gall bladder
Can biliary tract disease cause stomachaches?
Biliary tract disease, disorders of the gallbladder, bile, and bile ducts. Biliary pain is a severe persistent pain in the upper middle or upper right region of the abdomen.
Biliary tract tests?
GGT and ALP (alkaline phosphatase....mostly in biliary cells but some in hepatocytes)...
What does Biliary mean?
Of bile or of the gallbladder and bile ducts that transport bile and make up the biliary system or tract
What has the author Vernon L Stevenson written?
Vernon L. Stevenson has written: 'Biliary tract surgery and cholangiography' -- subject(s): Bile ducts, Biliary tract, Radiography, Surgery
What is biliary tract disease?
The biliary tract is the duct between the gallbladder and the second part of the duodenum (the small intestine). Biliary tract disease is any pathology affecting this duct (usually an obstruction caused by a stone called cholelithiasis). It is a very common condition affecting females, who are overweight and in their 40s who have a high-fat diet with inadequate water intake.
What has the author J Sanford Schwartz written?
J. Sanford Schwartz has written: 'Biliary Tract Disease Patient Outcomes Research Team (PORT)' -- subject(s): Surgery, Evaluation, Meta-analysis, Gallstones, Biliary tract, Outcome assessment (Medical care)
How is primary biliary cirrhosis diagnosed?
Blood tests strongly suggest the correct diagnosis, but a liver biopsy is needed for confirmation. It is also usually necessary to x ray the biliary system to look for other causes of obstruction.
ALP (alkaline phosphatase)?
Enzyme found in liver, bones, cells lining biliary tract.....may see it elevated in pregnancy (normal from building a skeleton).....more indicative of something biliary.......bone diseases as well...
3-5X ULN on AST?
chronic hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, Biliary tract obstruction, cardiac arrhythmias, muscular dystrophy
Why biliary tract disease should avoid fatty food?
The liver pumps bile through the biliary tract. This mixture of compounds acts as a detergent, separating ingested fats into small globules with large surface area, so they can be digested more easily.When the body detects large amounts of fats entering the body, a large amount of bile is excreted. If the biliary ducts (or liver or gall bladder, etc.) are inflamed or damaged, this can cause pain or even damage.
