Treatments

Transjugular Liver Biopsy (TJLB) is a minimally invasive procedure used to obtain liver tissue for diagnostic purposes, particularly in patients with bleeding disorders or ascites, where a percutaneous liver biopsy may be risky. In this technique, a catheter is inserted through the jugular vein and navigated into the hepatic veins. Once positioned, a biopsy needle is passed through the catheter to obtain liver tissue samples. TJLB not only reduces the risk of bleeding complications but also allows simultaneous measurement of hepatic venous pressure, which is useful in evaluating conditions like portal hypertension. The procedure is typically performed under imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy, to ensure accuracy and safety.

• Access route: Internal jugular vein → hepatic vein.
• Indications: Patients with coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia, or ascites where percutaneous biopsy is high risk.
• Imaging guidance: Fluoroscopy or ultrasound guidance used to position the catheter.
• Sample collection: Liver tissue obtained via transjugular route using a special biopsy needle.
• Advantages: Lower risk of bleeding, can measure hepatic venous pressure, safe in high-risk patients.
• Complications: Rare, may include neck hematoma, arrhythmia, or small hepatic hematoma.