Discharge Instructions for Hepatic Angiography

You had a procedure called hepatic angiography. This is an X-ray study of the blood vessels that supply your liver. During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube (catheter) was inserted into one of your blood vessels through a small incision. A specially trained doctor called an interventional radiologist usually does the procedure. These doctors use minimally invasive image-guided procedures to diagnose and treat diseases. Here’s what to do at home after your procedure.

Home care

• Follow your health care provider's recommendations on when it is safe to drive after the procedure.

• Rest according to your health care provider's instructions after the procedure. Most people are able to resume normal activity within a few days.

• Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for 3 to 4 days.

• Avoid strenuous activity for 2 weeks after the procedure.

• Exercise according to your health care provider’s recommendations.

• You can shower the day after the procedure.

• Ask your health care provider when it is safe to swim or take a bath.

• Take your medicines exactly as directed. Don’t skip doses.

• Unless directed otherwise, drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration and to help flush your body of the dye that was used during your procedure.

• Take your temperature and check the place where your incision was made for signs of infection (redness, swelling, or warmth) every day for a week.

Follow-up care

• Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.

• If you have stitches or staples, see your health care provider to have them removed 7 to 10 days after your procedure.

• Ask your health care provider when you can return to work.