Liver Biopsy

[Bittercold]

Does a liver biopsy hurt, and do they put you under?

[Zelda5]

I had a biopsy a few months back, although the Dr. said I could be sedated, he didn't seem to really want to do that because it would require getting an IV. Anyway, they numbed the area and push the needle in a lil bit more and inject more lidocaine and there was of course the initial stick and some pressure involved with the numbing, then when he used the thing that gets the biopsy, it was relatively quick. I heard a click and then it was over. They then had me lay on the liver side for an hour so it would clot because the liver is very vascular. Wasn't allowed to eat or drink that day and laying on that side and the caffeine headache from the lack of tea that day caused me the most pain because laying on that side is tender anyway, so they gave me a Percocet after my hour was up and I had something to eat, lest it upset my stomach. All in all, it wasn't that bad and I got a slight pain in that side if I moved in a certain way for a couple days afterward, but was hardly bothered by it.

[Bittercold in reply to Zelda5]

Thankyou

[Jojowen]

Hi, I was not put under. It did not hurt or - I felt a pang of pain in my right shoulder just as they took the tiny sample, other than that, not much to it. I had to stay and be observed for a couple of hours and that was boring. My advice is to bring books and magazines and a radio. Of course they check your clotting factors before they do it and mine was fine but if yours aren't that might mean a higher risk. The week before the liver biopsy I had a gastroskopy which I thought was truly horrible. The liver biopsy was nothing in comparison. But we are all different... Hope this helps.

Good luck!

J

[CathieG in reply to Jojowen]

Hi, no it doesn't hurt its more the fear that hurts! I was laid on my back for 6 hours afterwards and not allowed to lie on my side. Monitored every 15 minutes followed by hourly the last 2 hours. Take a good book and good luck.

[Bittercold in reply to CathieG]

Thankyou

[Bittercold in reply to Jojowen]

It does, thankyou

[barclay12]

I've have quiet a few. No it does hurt. I slight sting from the numbing injection but that's about it. Take a book or newspaper you tend to get bored laying on your side. Good luck

[Bittercold in reply to barclay12]

Thankyou. The typo" no it does hurt"scared me a bit, but I realized in context, it was fine

[Foundry9]

Being honest, and I've had two done, it hurt like hell afterwards! The liver doesn't feel pain, so it sends info to the brain that it is being attacked and causes the pain elsewhere in the body. (So I've been told by the consultant) I had excruciating pain in the neck, shoulders and chest for about 2 hours after. Also feel like you've been punched in the ribs.

Expect the worse, and if you have no after pain then that's a bonus.

Good luck

[cazer in reply to Foundry9]

Hi I had mine 15 yearsI ago laid on my side they froze the area apparently. ..I didn't feel anything. Slightly odd when they take the biopsy as you hear the noise and a bit of pressure. They took 3bits and used ultrasound to decide where they would take them from presumably the worst bits.i had to lie still for 6 hrs due to a risk of a bleed! That was the worst bit as a bit scary wondering if all was okay! X cazer

[Bittercold in reply to cazer]

Thankyou

[Bittercold in reply to Foundry9]

Thanks for replying.

[Foundry9]

I think it depends on the individual. I have a pretty good pain threshold but very sensitive to to pain if that makes sense?

My mum had biopsy and she only has a bit of shoulder pain afterwards.

I agree, laying on your side for hours is the scary bit, not knowing what's going on inside and wondering if your gonna bleed or not!

I'm certainly not in a rush to have another

[Bittercold in reply to Foundry9]

Thankyou

[dollyd1966]

No they prefer to use a local anaesthetic as they need you to hold your breath when they take the biopsy. When they take the biopsy it just feels like a slight bee sting and afterwards if you have pain (not everyone does) they give you either cocodamol or pethidine. Good luck you'll be fine the fear of the unknown is worse than the test itself. Tx

[Bittercold in reply to dollyd1966]

Thank you dollyd1966, I'm not as scared now.

[Bittercold in reply to dollyd1966]

Thankyou for answering

[Bittercold in reply to dollyd1966]

Thank you

[Bittercold in reply to dollyd1966]

Thanks again

[Bittercold in reply to dollyd1966]

Thanks

[Bittercold in reply to dollyd1966]

Thank you

[Bittercold in reply to dollyd1966]

Thank you

[Bittercold in reply to dollyd1966]

Thankyou

[Bittercold in reply to dollyd1966]

Tjankyou

[DrDizzy]

Hi,

I had my first late last March. It was laparascopic or minimally invasive, so I got a cut around the breastbone just under my breasts, and another in my navel. I was totally sedated and spent the night at the hospital. That wasn't so bad, but the navel incision became infected (don't know why) and that was very painful. I spent a bad week, and in the end, the pathologist diagnosed "either AIH or PBC", which we already knew anyway. So, long story short, it was a painful waste of time and money for me.

[Bittercold]

Thanks and sorry

[Belgravia]

Hi Bittercold

I had my bx by guided radiology in 2008 & was totally sedated. Yes uncomfortable lying on side for number of hours afterwards - hospital staff kindly got me a ripple bed which made things a lot more comfortable. No major pain in the days after but off course took some pain killer. Was back in work a few days later. Bx was consistent with pbc. Best of luck. Don't think about hurt you may not feel anything like me!

[Wendy29]

I've had three - it doesn't hurt a bit - the worst thing is the fear - and

When they are feeling for the space between your ribs - that's creepy. Just be brave - you will be absolutely fine

[sophie666]

It doesn't hurt when they give you local anesthetic but when it goes in your liver it it stops yr breath I found it painful but it is worth having it done xxx

[Poppygayle]

Don't worry You will be fine you have an injection to numb the area first this does cause a stinging sensation but doesn't last long you don't feel the biopsy but can have referred pain to the sholder and neck not all people get this although I did and just felt like a heavy ach the worst part is having to lie on your side for about 4-5 hours .good luck ! X