Discharge Instructions for Liver Biopsy
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:
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Because you had anesthesia, you should not drive until the day after your biopsy.
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Remove the bandage covering the biopsy site 48 hours after the procedure.
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Rest for 6 hours and take it easy when you arrive home.
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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.
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Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for up to 1 week after the procedure, or as advised by your healthcare provider.
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Don't do strenuous activities or exercises for up to 1 week after the procedure.
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Ask your healthcare provider when you can return to work.
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Don't 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:
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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 of 100.4°F ( 38.0°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider
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Shaking chills
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Yellow eyes or skin
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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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Vomiting blood
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Rectal bleeding or bloody stools
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Increasing pain, with or without activity, in the liver or belly area, or pain shooting to the right shoulder
Updated:  
September 17, 2019
Sources:  
Liver Biopsy. Rockey D. Hepatology. 2009;49(3):s1017-44.
Reviewed By:  
Jen Lehrer MD,Rita Sather RN,L Renee Watson MSN RN