Post liver biopsy

Patient Information Leaflet

Following your liver biopsy

• You should rest for 24 – 48 hours following your biopsy.
• Have someone stay with you overnight.
• You may eat and drink as normal.
• You may experience discomfort at the site the biopsy was taken, and sometimes in your right shoulder for a day or two following the procedure – this is a common side effect. Take your usual pain relief, as prescribed, and seek medical advice should pain persist or become severe.
• Continue with your normal medication as prescribed (except for anti-coagulants, which should be restarted the following day – unless otherwise stated by the radiologist).
• Keep a check on the biopsy site, looking for any signs of bleeding or infection (bruising, redness and swelling).
• Observe for symptoms such as feeling dizzy/faint, feverish or generally unwell.
• Keep the wound clean and dry for 24 hours and remove the dressing the following day.

Please contact the Interventional Radiology Department on 01384 456111 (ext. 1254) Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, if you need advice.

If you feel you need urgent medical attention, or are worried about anything following the procedure outside of our normal opening hours, please attend your nearest walk in centre or A&E department.

If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand, please contact the Russells Hall Hospital switchboard number on 01384 456111 and ask for the relevant department who issued this leaflet.

If you have any feedback on this patient information leaflet please email dgft.patient.information@nhs.net

This leaflet can be made available in large print, audio version and in other languages, please call 0800 073 0510.

Originator: Radiology Department. Date originated: January 2019. Date reviewed: July 2024. Next review due: April 2027. Version: 3 DGH Ref: DGH/PIL/02003.