Needle Biopsy of the Liver: What to Expect at Home

Overview

A needle biopsy of the liver was done to take a small sample of your liver tissue. The tissue sample was sent to a lab to be looked at under a microscope to see if there are any liver problems.

You may have some pain where the biopsy needle entered your skin (the puncture site). You may also have pain in your shoulder. This is called referred pain. It is caused by pain traveling along a nerve near the biopsy site. The referred pain usually lasts less than 12 hours. You may have a small amount of bleeding from the puncture site.

You can probably go home if you have no problems after the biopsy. You will need to take it easy at home for 1 or 2 days after the biopsy. You will probably be able to return to work and most of your usual activities after that.

This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.

Activity

• Rest when you feel tired. Getting enough sleep will help you recover.
• Be as active as you can. It can help prevent problems and help you recover. Walking is a good option for many.
• Avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, until your doctor says it is okay.
• Avoid lifting anything that would make you strain. This may include a child, heavy grocery bags and milk containers, a heavy briefcase or backpack, cat litter or dog food bags, or a vacuum cleaner.
• Ask your doctor when you can drive again.
• You will probably need to take 1 or 2 days off from work. It depends on the type of work you do and how you feel.
• You will probably be able to shower the same day as the biopsy, if your doctor says it is okay. Pat the puncture site dry. Do not take a bath for at least 2 days after the biopsy, or until your doctor tells you it is okay.

Diet

• You can eat your normal diet.
• Drink plenty of fluids (unless your doctor tells you not to).

Medicines

• Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. The doctor will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines.
• If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, take an over-the-counter medicine that your doctor recommends.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
  • Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) unless your doctor says it is okay.
• If you think your pain medicine is making you sick to your stomach:
  • Take your medicine after meals (unless your doctor has told you not to).
  • Ask your doctor for a different kind of pain medicine.

Care of the puncture site

• Keep a bandage over the puncture site for the first 1 or 2 days.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

When should you call your doctor?

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

• You passed out (lost consciousness).
• You have severe trouble breathing.
• You have sudden chest pain and shortness of breath, or you cough up blood.
• You have severe pain in your chest, shoulder, or belly.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You have new or worse shortness of breath.
• Bright red blood has soaked through the bandage over the puncture site.
• You have pain that does not get better after you take your pain medicine.
• You have nausea or vomiting and can't keep down fluids.
• You have new or worse pain at the puncture site.
• You have new or worse belly swelling or bloating.
• You have a fever, chills, or body aches.
• You have signs of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  • Red streaks leading from the puncture site.
  • Pus draining from the puncture site.
  • A fever.
• You have trouble passing urine or stool.
• Your stools are black and tarlike or have streaks of blood.
• You have pale-colored stools along with dark urine and itching.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you have any problems.