Patient education: Liver biopsy – Discharge instructions (The Basics)

What is a liver biopsy? — This is a procedure that checks an abnormal area of the liver. The liver is a big organ in the upper right side of the belly (figure 1). A biopsy can be done to diagnose a problem, monitor a known problem, or learn more about your liver.

There are different ways to do a liver biopsy. You might have had a:

●Fine-needle biopsy – The doctor uses a needle to take a sample of tissue from the liver.

●Transjugular biopsy – The doctor inserts a thin tube called a "catheter" into a vein in the neck. Then, they put a special needle through the catheter to get the tissue sample.

●Surgical biopsy – The doctor makes a cut to get the tissue sample.

How do I care for myself at home? — Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure that you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also:

●Take all of your medicines as instructed. Make sure that you know when you should start taking any medicines you had stopped for the procedure.

●Take care of your biopsy site – You might have stitches, skin staples, surgical glue, or a special skin tape where the biopsy was done.

•Keep the site dry and covered with a bandage for the first 1 to 2 days. Your doctor or nurse will tell you exactly how long to keep the area dry.

•Once you no longer need to keep the site dry, gently wash it with soap and water whenever you take a shower. Do not put the site underwater, such as in a bath, pool, or lake. This can slow healing and raise your chance of getting an infection.

•After you wash the site, pat it dry. Your doctor or nurse will tell you if you need to put an antibiotic ointment on it. They will also tell you if you need to cover the site with a bandage or gauze.

•Always wash your hands before and after you touch your biopsy site or bandage.

●Increase your activity slowly. The doctor might want you to avoid heavy activity for the next 5 to 7 days. This includes limiting lifting, sports, and activities that could cause rough contact to your belly.

●Call your doctor or make an appointment to talk about your biopsy results. The results are usually available within a few days to a week.

When should I call the doctor? — Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:

●You feel very dizzy or pass out.

Call for advice if:

●You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills.

●You have drainage, redness, or swelling around the biopsy site.

●You have severe pain at the biopsy site or in your shoulder.

●You have chest pain or palpitations, or you feel short of breath.

●You have bleeding from the biopsy site.

●You have belly pain.

●You have weakness or sweating.

●Have a bowel movement with blood, or a bowel movement that is black and looks like tar.

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