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Abdominal wall fat pad biopsy - Overview

Alternative Names

Abdominal wall biopsy; Biopsy - abdominal wall fat pad

Definition of Abdominal wall fat pad biopsy:

An abdominal wall fat pad biopsy is the removal of a small part of the abdominal wall fat pad. The procedure is done most often to test for amyloidosis.

How the test is performed:

Needle aspiration is the most common method of obtaining an abdominal wall fat pad biopsy. The skin of the abdomen is cleansed, and a local anesthetic may be used to numb the area. A needle is inserted through the skin and into the fat pad under the skin. A small core of the fat pad is removed with the needle and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

How to prepare for the test:

No special preparation is usually necessary.

How the test will feel:

Although your health care provider may have numbed the skin, there can be some mild discomfort or pressure during the needle insertion. Afterward, the area may feel tender or bruised for several days.

Why the test is performed:

This test may be performed when amyloidosis is suspected.

Digestive system

Fat tissue biopsy

Reviewed last on: 2/21/2011
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Buxbaum JN. The amyloidoses. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 296.

Gertz MA, Lacy MO, Dispenzieri A, Hayman SR. Immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis (primary amyloidosis). In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ Jr., Shattil SJ, et al, eds. Hoffman Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier;2008:chap 89.

Primary amyloidosis

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