Liver Biopsy Next Week

[jessibear]

I've never had any type of surgery or procedure done. What exactly should I expect?

[brianmo]

I have had three. I enjoyed the meds they gave me, I was very funny! My husband still laughs about it..

[jules2551]

The liver biopsy was a piece of cake!  Didn't feel a thing.  Not even sore after the biopsy the following day.  Now a mammogram....umnn...well...that's a different story.

[Advocate1955]

My husband has had two liver biopsies (2007 and 2010).  He checked in, they brought him to a room, had him put on a gown and lay down.  They started monitoring his blood pressure and pulse, etc.  They started an IV line.  They wheeled him to another room where the procedure was performed, and invited me to come along, so I did.  It was a guided liver biopsy, so the doctor was using imaging to see where the needle was and direct the biopsy.  A minute or two before he began the incision and the biopsy, the doctor put some type of sedative into the IV line because my husband was completely relaxed, dozing, answering questions when asked, but clearly sedated.  Although the sedation really only lasted through the procedure, my husband slept off and on for the two hours that he had to lay still following the biopsy.  I drove him home and he slept off and on for the rest of the day and that night.  I believe the instructions were to rest for 24 hours and no heavy activity for 2 days or something like that.  Second biopsy was a similar process, although I waited in the room.  I think he was only gone for maybe 20 min., but I can't recall exactly.  If someone will be sitting with you afterwards, I recommend they bring an MP3 player, snacks, and water, since you might be dozing, they might need something to keep them comfortable and calm.  He didn't feel any pain during or after, maybe just a slight tenderness in the chest/shoulder area that afternoon from what I recall.
Advocate1955

[Trixie75]

I agree with all of the above. Have had 3 liver biopsies and it just wasn't a big deal. Going to the dentist is much worse!

[milliehepc]

From my experience it was even pleasant.  That IV REALLY relaxes you. (best part lol)  For years I put it off - the anxiety, the unknown, it was an "invasive" procedure, etc. etc.  As many have said the unknown is worse than the actual procedure - in my experience was a piece of cake.  I even enjoyed the two hours one has to wait after the procedure.  I asked for a magazine and just relaxed.... then went home and treated myself to the couch and movies all day.

Good Luck - we'll await for your post after the procedure.

Milllie

[James10500]

Opps hit post to early.

I was awake as well, no Valium notta.  I focused on something in the room and tried not to pay attention. They numbed the area so much all I felt was a slight pressure. My doc didn't like the first sample so they did it again. It sounds a lot worse than it really is.

[James10500]

+1 Can do Man.  

It has nothing to do with surgery.

[JasmineT]

My experience was like candoman, I was awake.  They gave a local for the needle but the liver does not feel pain.  They use d a Ct scan I believe to help guide where they wanted samples.  They took about 3 samples from what I remember.  They looked like little inch long threads.  The stress of waiting and going and not knowing was much worse than the actual experience which was pretty easy.  No worries.

[belle19]

ditto on what can-do and hector said.  it's a piece of cake.  they gave me an iv and i don't remember a thing.  i woke up a little later.  had to lay on my side for a while.  then i was a little sore where they made a small incision.  best of luck.  you'll be fine.  belle

[HectorSF]

Can-do is correct. The thought is worse then the procedure.
Here is a link if you would like details of the entire procedure.
http://www.medicinenet.com/liver_biopsy/article.htm

If you are nervous you can always ask to nurse for something to calm your nerves (sedative) and they are usually willing to help you relax.

I see you are in the Bay Area. There are many of us here. If you need any particular local resources between us we have a lot of experience. I go to UCSF all the time and am listed for a liver transplant there.

Let us know if you need any other info.
Take care.
Hector

[can-do-man]

From my own experience and many others here you will find out the anxiety you have before the biopsy is much worse then having one. For me the worse part was having to lay still for 2 hours after the fact before going home. Mine was a guided biopsy, they gave me an iv before starting, i was awake during it but was so comfortable i didn't feel a thing......... Best to you.