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Home Care after Liver Biopsy

What to Expect

 

After the numbing medicine wears off, you may feel some mild pain.

 

A pressure dressing will be applied to the biopsy site.  You may remove the dressing the next day, and if needed, apply a Band aid®.

 

At Home

 

  • You must have an adult to take you home and stay with you for the first 16 hours after you are discharged.
  • You should not drive today.
  • Rest today.  Do not do any heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 1 week.
  • Do not drink alcohol.  Do not take tranquilizers or sleeping pills tonight.
  • You may resume your routine medicines unless told otherwise. 
  • You may resume your normal diet.  Start out light to prevent nausea.
  • There may be some soreness or redness at the IV site for a day or two.  You can relieve this by placing a warm, moist washcloth over the area.  Please contact your primary doctor if this does not improve in a couple of days.
  • Do not make any important decisions today.

 

When to call us

 

  • If you have new pain or pain that is getting worse.
  • If you have any questions once you are at home.

If you have a severe pain, difficulty breathing, or dizziness while you are at home, go to your nearest Emergency Room right away.

 

Phone Numbers

 

If you have questions or concerns within 24 hours of your liver biopsy, please call the Procedure Center at the number below.  After 24 hours, please contact your referring doctor.

 

Doctor _____________________

 

Gastroenterology Procedures,  Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (608) 263-8094.

 

After clinic hours, call the paging operator at (608) 262-0486 or toll free at

1-800-323-8942.  Ask for the Gastroenterology (GI) doctor on call.  Leave your name and phone number with the area code.  The doctor will call you back.

 

The Spanish version of this HFFY is #6506.



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 07/08/2011

Copyright © 06/08/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #6255

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