LIVER BIOPSY
It has been decided a biopsy of a small sample of your liver tissue is necessary for further evaluation and treatment of your condition. These instructions have been prepared to help you understand the procedure.
Why have a liver biopsy?
The biopsy is used to diagnose such diseases as cirrhosis, hepatitis, hemochromatosis and tumors, as well as to evaluate the efficacy of treatment of some disease processes.
How do they perform the biopsy?
Using an ultrasound for guidance to outline the location of the liver, the physician will use a local anesthetic to numb the skin. The patient is instructed to take a breath in and hold it. A special, slim needle is inserted into the tissue. When it is removed, a small piece of tissue comes within the barrel of the needle. The actual needle insertion and removal of liver tissue takes a matter of minutes. The nurses constantly monitor all vital signs during the time you are in the procedure suite.
What preparation is necessary before the procedure?
The liver has a very abundant blood supply. To minimize the chance of excessive bleeding during/ after the biopsy we ask that you HOLD ASPIRIN, IBUPROFEN AND ALEVE FOR 5 (FIVE) DAYS PRIOR TO PROCEDURE. Please notify the Doctor/Nurse if you are taking any medications that may thin your blood such as COUMADIN, PLAVIX, OR NSAIDSs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). The weeks before the biopsy you will need to have a lab test that will verify that your blood clots within a normal limit, this test is called a PT or Protime. The day of your exam you should have nohting to eat or drink after midnight.
What should I expect after my procedure?
Immediately after your procedure, you will be turned over to your right side where you will be asked to lie for one hour. This is done to minimize any bleeding by applying pressure to the biopsy site. You will be transferred to the recovery room where the nurse will continue to monitor your vital signs. After the time in the recovery room you will be transferred to an observation bed in the hospital for 2-3 additional hours, please bring a book or walk-man to help pass the time. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home from the hospital, so please arrange for transportation.You should expect some soreness in the area of the biopsy for up to a week following the procedure, this is typical and will be short lived.
Please avoid soaking in hot tubs or bathtubs for 1 week following procedure. If you have questions regarding when specific activities can be resumed please ask your doctor following the procedure.
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