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How to Prepare for a Liver Biopsy in NJ
At Digestive Healthcare Center, we are dedicated to helping our patients maintain positive liver health. In some cases, a liver biopsy is necessary to check for signs of liver damage or disease. In cases where FibroScan cannot be used for liver testing, a small piece of liver tissue is removed so it can be examined under a microscope. A liver biopsy can also be done to determine the severity of liver disease or to develop a treatment plan based on the liver’s condition. You will need to follow certain steps to ensure that the liver biopsy can be performed properly and that results will be accurate.
The Day Before Your Liver Biopsy in NJ
The day before your liver biopsy, please contact the office nurse to discuss how you should take your medications and at what time you should take them. You should also inform your ordering physician if you are taking any blood thinners such as Aspirin, Coumadin, Plavix, etc., as these medications may need to be stopped prior to the liver biopsy. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your appointment.
No more than 5 days prior to your procedure, you should have the following bloodwork done:
- CBC with platelets
- PT
- PTT
- INR
The Day of Your Scheduled Liver Biopsy in NJ
Please plan to be at our office for around 4 hours on the day of your appointment. Procedure times can vary depending on individual circumstances. You will need to arrange for someone 18 years or older to transport you to and from the procedure. Cabs or public transportation are not permitted unless a responsible adult accompanies you. What you can expect during your liver biopsy will depend on the type of liver biopsy you are undergoing. The most common type of liver biopsy is a percutaneous biopsy, during which a needle is inserted through a small incision near the bottom of the rib cage. Your doctor will inform you on what exactly you can expect during and after your liver biopsy in NJ.
After Your Liver Biopsy in NJ
After your liver biopsy at DHC, you should not plan to drive, work, or perform any strenuous activities for 24 hours. Some soreness where the needle was inserted is common and can last up to a week. You should not lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk for 14 days after the procedure.
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Liver Biopsy at Digestive Healthcare Center
At Digestive Healthcare Center, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to all of our patients. We diagnose and treat a wide range of digestive health conditions to help patients live their healthiest and most comfortable lives, and we want to help patients get a more clear picture of their liver health. Once your liver biopsy is complete, we will discuss next steps with you and any additional actions that need to be taken. Patients can visit our offices in Hillsborough and Somerville for access to the gastroenterological procedures and tests we offer in NJ. You can also schedule a virtual telemedicine appointment to speak with one of our specialists from the comfort of your home! To learn more about digestive health care in NJ at DHC or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today!
