Percutaneous Liver Biopsy
What is a percutaneous liver biopsy?
How long does the procedure take?
What risks are associated with this procedure?
What can I expect after the procedure?
Are there any activity restrictions?
When can I remove the bandage?
What is a percutaneous liver biopsy?
The term percutaneous simply means to go through the skin. Therefore a percutaneous liver biopsy is when you place a needle through the skin of the right upper abdomen (where the liver is located) directly into the liver and take small pieces of liver tissue that will be sent to the laboratory.
How is a percutaneous liver biopsy performed?
Using ultrasound for guidance, the physician will insert a needle through the skin of the right upper abdomen directly into the liver. Then, several small pieces (usually 2-4 pieces) of liver tissue will be obtained. Through the needle a substance called Gel Foam will be inserted in order to minimize bleeding into the tract. After the procedure, a dressing will be applied.
Will my child be awake during the procedure?
No. The procedure will be performed with intravenous sedation or general anesthesia.
How long does the procedure take?
Approximately 1 hourWhat risks are associated with this procedure?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Puncture of the lung (pneumothorax or hemothorax)
- Puncture of the gallbladder, with subsequent bile leak
What can I expect after the procedure?
Your child may experience some discomfort after the liver biopsy and will need to lie flat for 4 hours following the procedure. A blood count (CBC) will be taken four hours after the procedure. These steps help us to safely monitor your child for any bleeding.
Are there any activity restrictions?
Your child should continue to rest the day of the procedure. The next day your child can return to light activities but should continue to avoid strenuous activity or contact sports for 1 week.
When can I remove the bandage?
Leave the bandage on for 24 hours. Then you may remove the tegaderm (clear tape) and gauze (white cloth). Do not remove the steri-strips (pieces of tape). Allow these to fall off on their own.
When can my child bathe?
Keep the site completely dry for the first 24 hours. Your child can have a sponge bath after the first 24 hours, but you should continue to keep the area dry. It is ok to immerse in a bath once the steri-strips have fallen off.
If youhave additional questions, please call the IR nurse scheduler at 215-590-7000 (press #1 at the first prompt, and press #2 at the second prompt).
Appointments
- 215-590-7000
