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Discharge Instructions for Percutaneous Liver Biopsy 

 

What is a percutaneous liver biopsy?

Percutaneous liver biopsy is a procedure to take a tiny sample (biopsy) of liver tissue. Percutaneous (say "per-kew-TAY-nee-us”) means "through the skin." The doctor puts a needle through your skin and abdominal wall to get the sample. Another doctor will look at the liver tissue under a microscope to check for infection, cancer, or other liver problems.

How can you care for yourself at home?

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take to recover. Please remember, each person recovers at a different speed.  

Recovering from Anesthesia

You had local anesthesia (a shot to numb the area). You may feel some pain and discomfort as it wears off. 

You may have gotten a sedative to help you relax and pain medication to ease pain. It is usually given in a vein (by IV). Common side effects from sedation include:

  • Feeling sleepy. Your doctors and nurses will make sure you are not too sleepy to go home.
  • Nausea and vomiting. This usually does not last long. It can be treated with over-the-counter medication. Read and follow all instructions on label.

Recovery Instructions

Pain/Discomfort:

  • Our goal is to treat your pain safely. Sometimes, pain may not go away completely.  We will do our best to help you feel better. You may have some mild to moderate pain where the needle entered your skin. This will improve over the next few days.

  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is an over-the-counter medication you may take if needed for pain. If you are unable to take acetaminophen (Tylenol®) due to a medical condition like liver disease, ask your doctor for recommendations. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on label.

     

Diet:

  • You can eat and drink fluids as tolerated, unless your doctor gives you other instructions.

 

Activity:

  • Rest when you feel tired, especially for the first 24 hours. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
  • You can go back to normal activities tomorrow, including driving, but avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting for one week.
  • You can shower 24 hours after your procedure.

 

Caring for the puncture site:

You may have a small amount of bruising at the puncture site (where the needle entered your skin). This is normal and should go away over the next several days. To care for the site:

  • Remove the bandage after 24 hours.
  • Gently clean the puncture site and the skin around it with soap and water. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which may slow healing.
  • Gently pat the puncture site dry. Apply new gauze and tape or a Band-Aid.
  • Change the bandage and clean the puncture site every day until it has healed completely (usually 2-3 days).
  • Do not use any lotion or powder near the puncture site.
  • Do not take a bath or swim until it has healed completely.

 

Follow-Up Care

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety.

  • Test results may take up to 5 business days to come back. If you have not heard from your referring physician by that time, please contact them for results.
  • Be sure to make and go to all appointments. Call your doctor if you are having problems or have questions.
  • It is also a good idea to know your test results and keep an up-to-date list of the medications you take.

 

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • You have very bad pain in your chest, shoulder, or belly.
  • You pass out (lose consciousness).

 

Call your doctor or seek medical care right away if:

  • You have new or worse shortness of breath.
  • Blood has soaked through your bandage. Apply pressure to the area if you see it bleeding.
  • You have new or worse yellowing of the skin and/or whites of the eyes.
  • You have new or worse belly swelling or bloating.
  • You have pale-colored stools with dark urine and itchy skin.
  • You have signs of infection such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the puncture site
    • Pus draining or red streaks leading from the area
    • A fever over 101.5̊ F (38°C) that does not go down with over-the-counter medications and lasts longer than 24 hours, chills, or body aches

 

You can speak to a provider in Interventional Radiology:

  • Manhattan:
    • Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM, call 212-263-5898.
    • Weekdays after 5PM or weekends, call 212-263-5230 and ask the front desk to contact the Vascular Interventional Radiologist on-call.

 

  • Long Island (Mineola): 
    • Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM, call 516-663-2452.
    • Weekdays after 5PM or weekends, call 516-663-0333 and ask the front desk to contact the Vascular Interventional Radiologist on-call.

 

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you You do not get better as expected.

 

©2023 NYU Langone Health. All rights reserved. Reviewed for health literacy. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care provider's instructions.