The Procedure
Liver biopsy usually takes 30 minutes to perform. When you arrive at the hospital, an IV will be placed. You blood pressure etc. will be recorded. During the procedure, local anesthetic will be administered to the biopsy site. You may (or may not) have IV sedation administered. It is imperative that your breathing be carefully coordinated with your physician's instructions during the procedure. This will help to minimize the complications of the procedure.
The biopsy itself takes less than a minute in most cases. If the sample of tissue is sufficient, then you will be returned to the recovery area. If more tissue is needed, a second pass of the needle will be performed.
After the Procedure (Post-op)
After the procedure, you will be returned to the recovery area. Your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation will bemonitored very closely during the first two hours after the procedure. You will be placed on your right side, for approximately 1-2 hours in order to help put pressure on the biopsy site.
After the first 2 hours, you will be monitored for the next 4 hours. If you have no problems, you will sent home. You should have someone to stay with you during the following night.
Over the next 72 hours, do not perform any strenuous activities or heavy lifting. This may dislodge any blood clots near the biopsy site. No medications such as aspirin, Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen etc. should be taken. If you have pain, Tylenol (acetaminophen) is usually acceptable in small doses ( 2 350 mg tablets). If you have pain that requires more analgesic, please contact the office. More appropriate medications will then be prescribed.
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Other Endoscopic Procedures
- Colonoscopy |
ERCP |
Esophageal Manometry |
EGD |
Flexible Sigmoidoscopy |
Liver Biopsy
Related Links
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Patient Education:
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