Biopsy booked

[youngandworried]

Hey all,

Just an update to say my liver biopsy has been booked for Tuesday morning.

Just wondering what I can expect? I'm not super anxious or anything but needles aren't my thing, is it really painful?

Thanks

[velvetunderground]

I had really good drugs and didn't feel a thing! Needles aren't for me either.

[bantam12 in reply to velvetunderground]

You got drugs 😳 I wasn't given anything ☹️

[velvetunderground in reply to bantam12]

I did, and very nice they were too

I would suggest asking about drugs if they aren't mentioned, they can only say no.

[Laura009]

Most people don't like needles but don't worry you will be fine. Take whatever drugs they offer you, deep breaths and relax

[CarpeDiem11]

They will anaesthetise the area first where they are going to take the biopsy. They will then leave it long enough to take effect (not very long) and then check that the area is fully numb enough for you to not feel a thing. After that they will take two or three tissue samples- you will not feel anything, but you will hear a clicking sound (which is the biopsy needle taking the sample).

You will be lying down throughout the procedure and they will hypnotise you with a watch to make you feel sleepy (okay I made that last bit up!!!) You will then be wheeled up to a ward area, where you will be propped up and they should check your vitals on a frequent basis (every 30mins or it might be shorter- I can't exactly remember). If no-one checks you, press the buzzer and get help. The first one I had I was left ina side ward and no-one chcecked me. I had to wait until visiting time before I could get a doc to check my vitals, by which time, my bp had dropped and I had to go on a drip. The second time I was checked and everything was absolutely fine.

You will be on the ward, in the bed for about 4 hours, so bring something along to amuse you (preferably something that won't disturb other patients lol )

Good luck and it really is very straightforward. Most people think the lying around for 4 hours is the worst bit!!

[Hidden]

Hello,

I am sure our forum members will give you the best information based on their experiences but I have also attached the British Liver Trust information regarding liver biopsy.

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

It is a routine procedure in hospital, however, we would suggest to make sure that you write down any questions you may have about it so you can then discuss them with the doctor prior to being consented.

Hope it goes well,

Trust9

[Hidden]

I didn’t get any of the good drugs either mentioned by velvetunderground ,so disappointed 😁. I will say the procedure is over with quickly and then it’s lying in bed for hours, I ended up overnight . After it you may get some discomfort up your right shoulder, it’s quite common.

Let us know how it goes x

[FlyingArrow]

Hi YoungandWorried,

I cannot comment on the above as I've not had my liver biopsy yet, but I can wish you 'Good Luck' and I'm sure you'll be fine !

Love 🏹x

[Steak]

Hi i had the one on your neck as they deemed it wud be better than the stomach 1 and give a more accurate picture also less chance of bleeding or so I was told. Was nervous but it was numbed and it wasn't that bad .they monitored my blood pressure for a while then I was back to the ward were the worse part was lying on my back for 6 hrs. You will be fine the nurses and person performing it are lovely people 1 of the nurses held my hand when the needle went in and it was over quite quickly. You will be fine try not to worry. Take care x

[Yellowsydney]

Hi, I've had 2 liver biopsys, 1 through my side and 1 through my neck(trans jugular) I was awake for both no pain. Just numb the area and you you don't feel a thing, just have to stay still. Then back to the ward for 12 hours bed rest.

Hope all goes well❤

Hilary

[Kristian]

Hi Y&W,

Liver biopsies are usually pretty straight forward affairs. There is very little pain involved as the liver doesn't have any nerve endings. The only pain during the procedure is usually the "sharp scratch as they give you a bit of local aneasthitc to numb the skin where they go in. After that you shouldn't feel very much at all.

The biopsy is usually done in the ultrasound room as its done under the guidance of ultrasound so they can see where they are going and where they are taking the samples from. It doesn't take very long, probably about 15 - 20 minutes or so.

When its done they just wheel you back to the ward where, as others have said, you basically have to lie on your back for a few hours to help it heal and so they can monitor you to ensure all is OK. You may find that you'll get a bit of referred pain in your right shoulder afterwards. This is common but doesn't always happen. They usually offer you a couple of paracetamol when you get back to the ward to deal with that and that is usually more than sufficient. Its usually only a dull niggly pain, nothing that you'd generally be bothered about normally but its better to take the paracetamol to not have it as it can give you a little bit of discomfort.

After that, just lie back, enjoy your dinner and go to sleep for a few hours. Or take a book or electronic device to amuse yourself with.

A couple of tips for you:

1. Go to the toilet before the procedure. You won't be allowed out of bed to go after until the 4 hours is up and it saves peeing in to a bottle, lol.

2. If they offer you a cooked dinner afterwards, order mash potato if you are having peas. Peas are a bugger to chase round the plate when you're eating lying down! Either that or just order a sandwich 🤣🤣🤣.

Good luck

[Laura009 in reply to Kristian]

🤣🤣

[jazzgirl80 in reply to Kristian]

Hi how long did it take you to recover from the Biopsy

[Kristian in reply to jazzgirl80]

Not very long. I think they suggest you give it at least 24 hrs - 36 hrs or so before doing anything of much exertion. You may be a bit tired afterwards but for me that was about it.

[Pheebe]

I have had 3 liver biopsies. I was amazed how fast & easy they were. No pain meds or any kind of drugs offered or needed. Small little bruise in a day or two. No meal offered, just cookies and ginger ale. Absolutely nothing to worry about. However, it does depend on who is doing the biopsy. I hope you are attending a large hospital. I had one done at a small hospital.(because it was closer ) The radioligist was not experienced and botched it. The 3 samples were to small to work with. My hepatologist told me to have all procedures done at his hospital from then on. Good luck. Report back when you can.

[Frankybaby]

How did it go?