Discharge Instructions for Liver Biopsy
You had a procedure called liver biopsy. A healthcare provider 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
Recommendations include the following:
Because you had anesthesia, you should not drive until the day after your biopsy.
Remove the bandage covering the biopsy site 48 hours after the procedure.
Rest for 6 hours and take it easy when you arrive home.
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 for up to 1 week after the procedure, or as advised by your healthcare provider.
Don't do strenuous activities or exercises for up to 1 week after the procedure.
Ask your healthcare provider when you can return to work.
Do not start taking blood thinners without clear instructions from your healthcare provider.
Follow-up care
Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider immediately if you have any of the following:
Bleeding from the biopsy site
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Sudden or increased shortness of breath
Sudden chest pain
Fever of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider
Shaking chills
Yellow eyes or skin
Increasing redness, tenderness, or swelling at the biopsy site
Drainage from the biopsy site
Opening of the biopsy site
Vomiting blood
Rectal bleeding or bloody stools
Increasing pain, with or without activity, in the liver or belly area, or pain shooting to the right shoulder