If a patient undergoing gall bladder surgery, has the procedure stopped because a diseased liver becomes evident and a biopsy cannot be performed because that very same liver bleeds too much...what are some of the causes if no alcohol is involved; however, long term use of Amitriptyline is evident. And if not drug related, what else should a specialist be looking for?
HI, How are you? My Name is Chat Doctor.  I am a Liver and pancreas specialist and I hope to answer your question today. I am sure your patient has cirrhosis of the liver (going by your description). But in patients who do not have any symptoms related to it, and in whom the clotting profile (PT/INR) is normal, a gall bladder surgery can be safely completed, and a biopsy can also be taken. But there is always a risk of decompensation and hence these procedures need to be done in specialized centers. Coming to the causes of cirrhosis, it is too numerous to list, but most commonly are due to alcohol, fatty liver disease, viral infections (Hepatitis B, C),