Liver Biopsy

Tell the doctor if you have a personal or family history of a bleeding disorder.

Do not take aspirin, aspirin substitutes or any products containing aspirin or salicylic acid for 10 days before the biopsy. Aspirin and medicines like aspirin (sometimes called NSAIDS) can increase the risk of bleeding after the biopsy. Examples are given below.

Do not take:

• Advil
• Aleve
• Alka Selzter
• Anacin
• Ascriptin
• Arthrotec
• Bayer
• BC Powder
• Bufferin
• Cataflam
• Celebrex
• Doan’s
• Ecotrin
• Equagesic
• Excedrin
• Goody’s
• Ibuprofen
• Indocin
• Mobic
• Motrin
• Naprosyn
• Norgesic
• Nuprin
• Voltaren

You may take Tylenol. Read the label carefully. Call the doctor if you have any doubts about a medicine. The biopsy may be postponed if you have taken an NSAID by mistake.

• If you have not had blood work within 7 days prior to your biopsy, it will be done the morning of your biopsy.
• Make sure an adult is with you who can take you home and stay with you after the biopsy, because you will NOT be able to drive yourself.
• If your biopsy will be performed in the endoscopy unit, you may eat a small breakfast the morning of the biopsy. If you are being referred to Radiology for your biopsy, please do not eat or drink anything past midnight prior to your biopsy.
• Tell your doctor if you have any reactions to medicines, or are allergic to iodine, lidocaine or band aids.
• Use the bathroom right before the biopsy so you will not need to go too soon after the biopsy.

1. The doctor examines the lower right side of your chest and stomach to find the best area for the biopsy.
2. The area is cleaned with iodine and alcohol. Sterile paper towels are placed around the cleaned area.
3. The area is made numb with lidocaine. This stings briefly.
4. A tiny cut is made in your skin. You should not feel this.
5. The doctor passes the biopsy needle quickly into and out of the liver through the cut. You may feel a pushing sensation or a pinch. Stop breathing when the doctor asks you to do so. Follow the doctor’s instructions during the biopsy.
6. A band aid is placed over the cut. The biopsy is finished.

1. After the biopsy, you will lie on your right side for an hour or two. This will put pressure on the biopsy site. You will be carefully watched during the next two to six hours. You will stay in bed and a nurse will check your pulse and blood pressure often. You may have some discomfort in your shoulder or neck. This should be mild and will go away in an hour or two. You may be given pain medication if needed.
2. If a problem occurs, you will have to stay in the hospital. If there are no problems, you can go home two to six hours after the test (determined by the doctor). You will not be allowed to leave alone. An adult must take you home. You may not drive yourself.
3. You should rest the day of the biopsy.

• You can return to your normal activities the next day.
• Avoid playing sports.
• No heavy lifting and straining for the next two days.

• The main risk of liver biopsy is bleeding from the spot where the needle entered your liver. This occurs in less than 1 of every 1000 patients.
• Other problems include the puncture of other organs, such as the lung, gallbladder, kidney or colon.
• Puncture of the liver itself can lead to the leakage of bile into the stomach cavity. This may cause pain that may last for a few hours, but it is rarely dangerous.