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Procedure Information: Liver Biopsy

Percutaneous liver biopsy is sampling the liver tissue through a specially designed thin needle. A site is selected in a rib space under the right arm using a local anesthetic. (This site may be located with the aid of ultrasound guidance). The procedure will last approximately 15 to 30 minutes.

 

The Purpose of the Biopsy

By doing this procedure the physician may be able to give you a diagnosis of your liver disease and help determine how much, if any liver damage is occurring.

 

Preparation

1. You may NOT have anything to eat or drink (including water) after midnight the night before the procedure.
2. If you have a chronic illness that requires daily medication you will be given special instructions. Please inform the physician if you have diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or any other condition that requires daily medication.
3. If you are taking any aspirin, blood thinners (coumadin), or anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprophen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Naprosyn, or arthritis medications, please stop these one week prior to your appointment. You may take Tylenol if needed.
4. Stop any Carafate or liquid antacids 2 days prior to your examination.

 

Before the procedure the nurse will put a needle into a vein in your arm to establish IV access.

 

All patients undergoing a liver biopsy must have an escort driver to take them home. Please have a friend or family member with you. If no one is with you we will not be able to do the procedure.

 

Side Effects and Risks

• Excessive bleeding can occur at the biopsy site
• Laceration of the liver or other abdominal organs as the needle passes through the abdomen
• Perforation of the gallbladder or bile channels that can result in pain or infection
• Infection
• Bruise at insertion site.

 

Any or all of these potential complications could required hospitalization/surgery or transfusions to treat and correct.

If you have any questions regarding the procedure please do not hesitate to call or discuss them before the procedure.

 

Post Liver Biopsy Instructions

1. You must remain home resting quietly and have another person with you the remainder of the day in case you become ill and need assistance.
2. Come to the Emergency Room if you note any of the following:
   • redness/swelling/drainage form the incision site
   • fever greater than 100.5 F or chills
   • abdominal pain other than retained gas
   • DO NOT DRIVE YOURSELF - Have someone bring you to the Emergency Room or call our office if between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 787-0270.
3. You should not lift anything heavier than 20 lbs. for the first 14 days. This includes small children.
4. Do not take any aspirin, ibuprofen or other arthritis type medication for 14 days or as directed by your doctor. You may take Tylenol/acetaminophen for aches and pains.

 

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION, PLEASE CONTACT US AT OUR OFFICE AT 787-0270 OR AFTER HOURS CALL THE HOSPITAL OPERATOR AT 716-1000 TO PAGE THE DOCTOR ON CALL.