Under local anesthetic, this is passed between the lower right ribs into the center of the liver. The sample taken is about the size of a pin. It takes only a minute or so to get the sample, but the overall procedure involves a full day, because a period of observation is required afterwards to make sure there is no bleeding from the puncture site in the liver itself. In a normal, or even a moderately damaged liver, the risk of any complication of the biopsy is very slight. Very rarely, complications of the biopsy may require surgery to repair the puncture site.
Treatment is available if the benefits outweigh the risks.
The only useful treatment so far is with alpha interferon - a natural substance produced in the body as part of the inflammatory response to bacteria and viruses. Given by injection three times a week over several months, this expensive treatment will stimulate a cure in up to a quarter of patients, and will usefully slow the progress of the infection in another quarter or more. Interferon is not without side effects, but overall, more than half of all patients do benefit to varying degrees. Hepatitis B It is imperative that the families be vaccinated against Hep B prior to relocating to Indonesia. Should time not permit then they should at least start the program and they can continue it at a reputable clinic on their arrival in Indonesia .