Getting ready

Before your biopsy:

• Have blood tests as directed.
• Follow all directions you're given for not eating or drinking before the biopsy.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after your biopsy.
• Talk with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.

Also tell your provider about all of the medicines and supplements you take. This includes:

• Medicines, such as warfarin, that thin the blood and prevent blood clots.
• Other medicines that thin the blood. This includes aspirin. It also includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
• Medicines for heart conditions
• Over-the-counter medicines
• All prescription medicines
• Illegal drugs
• Herbs, vitamins, and other supplements

If you take blood thinners, ask your healthcare provider if you should stop taking them before your procedure. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do. Ask what other medicines you may need to stop. Follow any other directions from your provider.

During the procedure

• You'll change into a hospital gown. You'll lie on your back or your left side. Part of your body is draped.
• Your healthcare provider checks your blood pressure, pulse, breathing, and temperature.
• Your provider may give you medicine through an IV (intravenous) line to help you relax. They'll also put medicine on your skin around the biopsy site to numb it.
• The healthcare provider will perform an ultrasound of your liver so they can find the best site to take the sample.
• For a percutaneous liver biopsy, your provider will put a small needle through a tiny cut (incision) in your belly wall into the liver. They will take out a small sample of liver tissue. The needle is taken out.
• For a transjugular biopsy, your provider will make a small cut in your neck. Then they will insert a small flexible tube (catheter) into your vein. The catheter is moved through the vein down to your liver. A contrast dye is put into the catheter and X-rays are taken. The dye helps the vein show up more clearly on the X-rays. Then a needle goes through the catheter to your liver. Tissue samples are removed through the tube.
• A provider places a bandage over the incision site. For a percutaneous biopsy, they may ask you to lie on your right side for 1 hour.
• You'll be asked to rest. You'll be watched for 4 hours after your biopsy. You can then go home if you are stable and comfortable and you have no signs of bleeding.

After the procedure

Have someone drive you home after your liver biopsy. You may feel some pain near the biopsy site or in your right shoulder. This shoulder pain is called referred pain.

When you're home:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Don't drink alcohol.
• Don't lift anything more than 5 to 10 pounds for 1 week.
• Avoid exercises that use your belly muscles and avoid strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, jogging, weight lifting, or aerobic exercise, for 1 week or until your healthcare provider says it is OK.
• Your doctor will tell you when you can restart medicines that you usually take. They will also give you instructions about taking any new medicines.
• If you take blood thinners, ask your doctor when to start taking them again. Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
• Follow any other directions from your provider.

Getting your results

Your biopsy results may take a few days. Make an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss the results of the biopsy.

When to call your healthcare provider