Laparoscopic Liver Biopsy

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

• Care notes
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
• Español

A laparoscopic liver biopsy is surgery to remove a sample of tissue from your liver. The sample can be sent to a lab and tested for liver disease, cancer, or infection. After the procedure you may have pain in your abdomen or right shoulder. These symptoms should get better in 48 to 72 hours.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You have trouble breathing.

Seek care immediately if:

• Blood soaks through your bandage.
• Your stitches come apart.
• You have severe pain.
• Your abdomen is larger than usual and feels firm.

Call your surgeon or doctor if:

• You have a fever or chills.
• Your pain does not get better after you take pain medicine.
• Your incisions are red, swollen, or draining pus.
• You have nausea or are vomiting.
• Your skin is itchy, swollen, or you have a rash.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Medicines:

You may need any of the following:

• Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to give your child and how often to give it. Follow directions. Read the labels of all other medicines your child uses to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your child's doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
• Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Care for your incision site as directed:

Carefully wash around the incision site with soap and water. Let the soap and water run over your incision site. Gently pat the area dry and put on new, clean bandages as directed. Change your bandages when they get wet or dirty. If you have steristrips, let them fall off on their own. If they do not fall off after 10 to 14 days, gently peel them off. Check your incisions every day for redness, swelling, or pus. Do not put powders or lotions on you incision sites until your healthcare provider says it is okay.

Self-care:

• Rest as directed. Do not exercise or lift anything heavier than 5 pounds for as long as directed. Take short walks around the house to prevent blood clots.
• Ask your healthcare provider when to take your blood thinner or antiplatelet medicine. You may need to wait 24 to 72 hours to take your medicine. This will prevent bleeding.

Follow up with your surgeon or doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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