What Is A Liver Endoscopy?

A liver endoscopy, also known as a liver biopsy or hepatic endoscopy, is a medical procedure used to diagnose and sometimes treat conditions affecting the liver. It involves inserting a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope through the mouth or nose and down into the stomach and small intestine. From there, the endoscope is guided into the bile ducts, which lead to the liver. Once the endoscope reaches the bile ducts, a small tool attached to the endoscope is used to collect a tiny sample of liver tissue for examination under a microscope. This tissue sample can provide valuable information about the health of the liver, including the presence of inflammation, scarring, infection, or cancer. Liver endoscopy may be recommended if a person is experiencing symptoms such as unexplained abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abnormal liver function tests, or if imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans show abnormalities in the liver. While liver endoscopy is primarily a diagnostic procedure, it can also be used to treat certain liver conditions. For example, if a blockage is found in the bile ducts, a small stent can be inserted through the endoscope to help relieve the blockage and improve bile flow.
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