Discharge Instructions for Liver Biopsy
You had a procedure called liver biopsy. A doctor used a special needle to remove a small piece of tissue from your liver. Then it was examined for signs of damage or disease. A liver biopsy is ordered after other tests have shown that your liver is not working properly. You may also have a liver biopsy when liver disease is suspected, to determine whether there is too much iron in the liver, or to rule out cancer.
Home Care
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Don’t drive for
48 hours after the procedure. -
Remove the bandage covering the biopsy site
48 hours after the procedure. -
Rest for
48 hours. Get up only to use the bathroom. -
Don’t shower for
24 hours after the biopsy. If you wish, you may wash yourself with a sponge or washcloth. When you are able to shower, don’t scrub the site. Gently wash the area and pat it dry. -
Don’t lift anything heavier than
10 pounds for3–4 days after the procedure. -
Ask your doctor when you can return to work.
Follow-Up
Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following:
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Bleeding from the biopsy site
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Dizziness or lightheadedness
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Sudden or increased shortness of breath
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Sudden chest pain
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Fever above
100.4 °F -
Shaking chills
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Increasing redness, tenderness, or swelling at the biopsy site
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Drainage from the biopsy site
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Opening of the biopsy site
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Increasing pain, with or without activity
